Black Snakes
King brown or Mulga snake Pseudechis australis
The king brown snake is really a member of the black snake genus and bears no relation to brown snakes. Some of the northern specimens are tan, brown or copper coloured thus their name. The southern specimens, especially on Eyre Peninsula, tend to be a lot darker in colour. King brown snakes, in the south are top predators and eat other reptiles including other snake species.
Main Actions of venom
The venom is mainly anticoagulant and myotoxic (breaks down muscles). The neurotoxic components are weak. In some cases, severe myoglobinuria can result from bites of this species.
The anticoagulant action causes a coagulopathy because of the inhibition of some clotting factors (not consumption).
Like most of the Pseudechis genus, the venom is a considerable complement activator.
Antivenom: CSL Ltd Black Snake Antivenom.
Use polyvalent antivenom in the absence of specific Black
Red-bellied black snakes Pseudechis porphyriacus
Red-bellied black snakes are confined to the Adelaide Hills and plains, Barossa Valley, Fleurieu Peninsula, some parts along the Murray River and the Lakes at the River Mouth – Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert. They either occur along watercourses, in swamps or in areas of relatively high rainfall. Frogs are a significant part of their diet.
Their numbers have declined over the last 30 years due to watercourse degradation.
The venom of red-bellied black snakes isn’t as toxic as most Australian dangerous snakes but bites from this species can and have caused fatalities. The venom has a weak neurotoxic and coagulant effect. The myotoxic affect is significant. Like most of the Pseudechis genus, the venom is a considerable complement activator.
Antivenom: CSL Ltd Tiger Snake or Black Snake Antivenom*.
Use polyvalent antivenom in the absence of specific Tiger or Black snake antivenoms.
* Tiger snake antivenom is preferred because it is a more economical antivenom being about one third of the price of black snake antivenom.