Symptoms and circumstances associated with bites by the brown tree snake (Colubridae: Boiga irregularis) on Guam
Journal of Herpetology
By: T. H. Fritts, M. J. McCoid, and R.L. Haddock
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Abstract
A review of 94 cases of snakebite by the brown tree snake, Boiga irregularis, in Guam spanning a two year period shows a high proportion (80%) involve victims bitten while sleeping in their homes at night. Some bites apparently involve attempts to feed on small children. Of all children less than 1 yr old that were bitten in a two year period, infants 1-3 mo old comprised 82%. The symptoms exhibited by children are more severe than those experienced by adults. The snake is a rear-fanged (i.e., has enlarged and grooved teeth on the posterior maxillae) colubrid with a moderately large Duvernoy's gland.
Suggested Citation
Fritts, T.H., McCoid, M.J., and Haddock, R., 1994, Symptoms and circumstances associated with bites by the brown tree snake (Colubridae: Boiga irregularis) on Guam: Journal of Herpetology, v. 28, no. 1, p. 27-33, https://doi.org/10.2307/1564676.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Symptoms and circumstances associated with bites by the brown tree snake (Colubridae: Boiga irregularis) on Guam |
| Series title | Journal of Herpetology |
| DOI | 10.2307/1564676 |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 1994 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles |
| Contributing office(s) | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 7 p. |
| First page | 27 |
| Last page | 33 |