Death Adders (Genus Acanthophis): An overview, including
descriptions of FIVE new species and ONE subspecies.
ORIGINALLY Published in Monitor
9 (2) April 1998. Pages 20-41.
Raymond Hoser (1998 address),
41 Village Avenue, Doncaster, Victoria,
3108, Australia.
Phone: +61 3 9857-4491 Fax: 9857-4664 E-mail:
adder@smuggled.com
Click here for a more recent paper naming further species and subspecies of Acanthophis.
INTRODUCTION
Death
Adders (Genus Acanthophis) are found in most parts of Australia,
New Guinea and adjacent islands. They are unusual among the elapids in
that they have evolved to become viperine in appearance and habit. All
species are characterised by a broad somewhat flattened, triangular head,
short stout body and a thin rat-like body ending in a curved
spine. The spine and the presence of subocular scales separates Acanthophis
from all other Australasian elapids.
A detailed summary of these snakes, in Australia as of 1995, including
biology, ecology and other relevant information, as well as a substantial
bibliography was published by Hoser (1995). That paper can be downloaded
from the world-wide-web at http://www.smuggled.com/adder1.htm
and is strongly recommended to any reader seeking a detailed background
of this genus.
There has been substantial confusion and misinformation regarding
the taxonomy of species within the genus Acanthophis, particularly
for those in northern Australia and Islands to the north, including New
Guinea. This confusion has been caused by several factors including the
fact that a number of well-known authors have made taxonomic judgments
without inspecting animals previously described and/or relatively scant
knowledge of the snakes in question. The purpose of this paper is to review
the current taxonomy and formally describe known species and subspecies
which to date have not carried scientific names.
The basis of this review comes from studies of these snakes over
a period in excess of 20 years, a review of published literature, (not
all of which is cited here or in Hoser 1995), discussions with many private
and professional herpetologists and keepers as well as the inspection of
a substantial number of live snakes and others preserved in collections.
The author has observed live specimens of all species and subspecies known
from Australia (listed below) and some live animals from New Guinea when
on tour in the United States in 1993.
Taxonomically, Death Adders present substantial problems in species
identification due to the high degree of variability within each species,
including within any single local population and the fact that many identifying
characteristics sometimes used to separate species are shared to varying
degrees by multiple species. Major character differences, such as base
colour (i.e. red versus grey), may be affected by as little as one single
gene (allele), (Hoser, 1985), clearly indicating that use of such a character
on it's own to separate species would be hazardous to say the least.
Previous works that cover Acanthophis taxonomy, include: Boulenger,
(1898), Cogger (1983, 1992), Loveridge, (1948), Macleay, (1877), McDowall
(1984), O'Shea (1996), Ramsay, (1877), Shaw and Nodder, (1802) Storr (1981)
and Wells and Wellington (1983, 1985a, 1985b). Cogger (1992) and Ehmann
(1992), both indicate undescribed forms of Acanthophis, or at least
species other than the most commonly recognised trio, namely, A. antarcticus,
A. pyrrhus and A. praelongus.
The use of venom properties to aid in distinguishing between forms
and species has increased in recent years. Such has not been attempted
by this author although venom supplied by this author has been used by
others including Sheumack, et. al.. Papers dealing with venom properties
of Acanthophis include: Fairley (1929), Kim and
Tamiya (1981), Sheumack, Howden and Spence (1979), Stettler (1985), and
van Woerkom (1985).
Keys that differentiate different species of Acanthophis have
not been presented here. All keys seen by this author for the genus Acathophis
appear to break down with susbstantial regularity due to veriablity
within each species, even though a number of species divisons are widely
acknowledged.
The keys of both Cogger (1992) and Storr (1981) for the species A.
antarcticus, A. praelongus and A. pyrrhus regularly break down
when used against their divisions of Acanthophis into those three
forms (breakdown of keys is generally between A. antarcticus and
A. praelongus). However their keys do indicate trends in differences
between the different forms. Keys have tended to rely on external characteristics
such as colour patterns and rugosity, rather than head and body scalation,
due to the variability of the latter within a single species, and corresponding
relative uniformity of the trait within the genus.
For the purposes of this paper, a species of Acanthophis is
defined as a population that appears to be different from others in physical
characteristics, including those known to occur in nearby areas, but for
which there is presently no evidence of gene flow between the populations.
This definition does not take into account relationships between snakes
in a captive situation. For example in 1996 a captive male Acanthophis
(similar to and possibly A. hawkei) from near Camooweal, Queensland,
mated with a female Hayes Creek, Northern Territory A. lancasteri
to produce 31 healthy offspring in 1997, most of which were still alive
and well in April 1998 (there were an additional five stillborn and no
unfertilised ova). One of these snakes that were bred by Rob Valentic is
depicted on the front cover of this magazine. Colouration of young tends
to be intermediate between those of the parents, although colouration of
offspring was not consistent.
Hoser (1989) published a photo of a captive male A. pyrrhus
attempting to mate with an A. antarcticus. I have also observed
both captive A. praelongus (from Queensland) and A. lancasteri
(from Western Australia) attempting to mate with A. antarcticus
(from New South Wales), while the captive male A. antarcticus pictured
on the back cover of Hoser, (1989), was observed attempting to copulate
with a female A. pyrrhus (armstrongi).
As of 1998, there have been no records of sympatry in the wild between
different species of Acanthophis, a point noted by McDowall (1984).
Although there is no dispute in the fact that all Acanthophis are
closely related, it is uncertain if given similarities between different
species reflect immediate relationships or are instead due to convergence
in evolution to cope with localised conditions.
For each species listed below, I have made comments relating to the
taxonomy and present understanding of each, including with reference to
comments made by earlier authors. Previously unpublished information for
some species of Acanthophis is given where appropriate. The listing
of species and subspecies given in this paper completes that currently
known for this genus. It is likely that further species and/or subspecies
may later be recognised, particularly for island populations, many of which
are suspected as differing from those of adjacent "mainland"
populations. There has been no investigation into Acanthophis from
the large islands west and north-west of New Guinea, such as Ceram or Halmahera
Island and none have been sighted by this author. Attempts to get hold
of specimens, photos and other material have so far been unsuccessful.
Due to reliance on head scalation as a diagnostic feature for some
species of Acanthophis listed below, a drawing of the head scalation
of a West Head (about 30 km north of Sydney, NSW) A. antarcticus
from p. 18, (Hoser 1989), is reproduced here to assist readers in familiarising
themselves with the relevant scales and positions.
As of the publication of this paper, there are now 11 species of
Acanthophis now recognised, along with two additional subspecies.
Four of the 11 species are known only from the island of New Guinea (including
offshore islands), while the remaining 7 are known only from continental
Australia and offshore islands.
SPECIES
AND SUBSPECIES OF ACANTHOPHIS NOW RECOGNISED
Acanthophis antarcticus antarcticus
(Shaw and Nodder, 1802)
Acanthophis antarcticus schistos Wells and Wellington, 1985
Acanthophis barnetti sp. nov. (this paper).
Acanthophis crotalusei sp. nov. (this paper).
Acanthophis cummingi sp. nov. (this paper).
Acanthophis hawkei Wells and Wellington 1985
Acanthophis laevis Macleay, 1877
Acanthophis lancasteri lancasteri Wells and Wellington 1985
Acanthophis lancasteri bottomi subsp. nov. (this paper).
Acanthophis praelongus Ramsay, 1877
Acanthophis pyrrhus Boulenger, 1898
Acanthophis pyrrhus armstrongi Wells and Wellington, 1985
Acanthophis rugosus Loveridge, 1948
Acanthophis wellsei sp. nov. (this paper.)
Acanthophis woolfi sp. nov. (this paper.)
(Total of 12 species and three additional subspecies)
Acanthophis antarcticus antarcticus (Shaw
and Nodder, 1802)
Type data lost, however modern authors have assumed that the "Sydney"
Death Adders are of this species, treating it as the "typical"
form. Cogger (1983) made the following species names junior synonyms, palpebrosa,
cerastinus, brownii, ambigua, acantophis, sorda and aculeata.
All had missing type data and/or specimens. Known distribution of A.
antarcticus is southern Australia (except coldest parts), and the east
coast and adjacent areas, including much of inland Queensland. There is
a gap in the known distribution in the region of the SA, Vic, NSW border
area.
There are no reliable modern records for the state of Victoria.,
(Coventry 1997). The National Museum of Victoria has NO authentic
locality records for the species (of any date). There are several old specimens
labelled "Murray River Victoria", but no precise locality data
(Coventry 1997).
An alleged sighting record of Peter Menkhorst dated 1994 (Menkhorst
1994) from Wallpolla Island, Murray River, is not deemed reliable as it
was not made by a trained herpetologist or corroborated by a photograph
or specimen. Contrary to popular belief there is no spinifex (Triodia
sp.) on the island (Coventry 1997). The diary of Gerard Krefft has an 1856
entry of a drawing of a head and tail of this species from Lake Boga, which
is about 15 km south-east of Swan Hill, in Victoria. Coventry and Robertson
(1991) concluded that the species no longer occurs there due to habitat
destruction for farming.
Specimens of Acanthophis from Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Dutchess
and Dajarra, Queensland which themselves vary significantly in appearance,
and are herein referred to as A. woolfi should be investigated further.
Externally, they appear to be intermediate between A. hawkei (see
p. 34 this journal for photos of a juvenile and adult A. woolfi)
and A. antarcticus from more southern areas in general characteristics;
however they tend to lack the distinct creamy coloured white-lipped marking
(upper lip)(supralabials) of most A. hawkei and white labial markings
common in most A. antarcticus. For example refer to the reddish
coloured specimen from Dutchess, Qld., depicted on page 34 of this journal
and in Hoser, (1995), pages 10-11 top, and compare with the specimens of
A. hawkei depicted in Hoser (1995) pages
10-11 centre, the (different) specimens on the cover of Monitor
8 (3) 1997 (Hoser 1997a) and in Hoser (1989) or ones in this journal.
Acanthophis from near Camooweal, Queensland, tend to have
heavy white markings on the lower supralabials, (upper lips) but unlike
in A. hawkei from Anthony's Lagoon, NT, they do not quite form a
distinct "white-lipped" appearance. Some reptile keepers have
classified these snakes as "Barkly Adders" (=A. hawkei)
and it is probably with these snakes that the Camooweal Acanthophis
have closest affinity, noting that Camooweal is situated roughly on the
edge of the black soil part of the Barkly tableland. This author regards
Camooweal Acanthophis as A. hawkei.
Biology: Biological and captive breeding information
about A. antarcticus is provided by the following author's:
Carpenter et. al. (1978), Gilbertson-Middlebrook (1981), Hay (1972), Hoser
(1981, 1982, 1983, 1984a, 1984b, 1985a, 1985b, 1985c, 1987, 1989, 1992,
1995, 1997a), Hoser and Williams (1991), Hudson
(1979), Johnston (1987), Mirtschin (1976, 1982, 1985), Mirtschin and Davis
(1991, 1992), Shine (1980, 1991), Swan (1990), Worrell (1972). Excellent
photos of this species can be found in Ehmann (1992), Hoser
(1989) (more than in any other publication to date), Hoser (1995),
Wilson and Knowles (1988) and many other publications.
Mating behavior in A. antarcticus has been documented by Hoser
(1983, 1997a) and the behavior tends to be stereotyped in line
with the accounts published by Carpenter and Fergusson (1977) Mating has
also been observed by this author in A. lancasteri, A. praelongus
and A. pyrrhus, with all species tending to behave in a similar
manner. Notable is a common trend that young inexperienced snakes tend
(on average) to take longer to effect a successful copulation than more
mature and experienced ones.
Trade: Hoser (1991, 1993, 1996) discusses the legal and illegal trade
of Australian reptiles, including Acanthophis, as well as conservation
of these snakes. Persons within Australia contemplating trapping, studying
or keeping these snakes, or any other Acanthophis and complying
with the relevant state laws are referred to Hoser (1993, 1996).
Acanthophis antarcticus schistos Wells and Wellington, 1985
Wells and Wellington gave the name to a specimen from near Perth
WA. They gave no other significant information or reason for their naming
the snake "Acanthophis schistos". However most herpetologists
recognise the western populations of A. antarcticus as having at
least minor differences to those from the east. Therefore the name remains
valid, at least as a subspecies. Until other information
becomes available, the Western Australia/South Australian population of
A. antarcticus which remains more or less continuous should be assigned
to this subspecies. The remainder should be assigned to the nominate
subspecies.
Storr, Smith and Johnstone (1986) and Bush et. al. present photos
of live A. antarcticus schistos. Davis, et. al (undated) (about
1980), present photos of South Australian A. antarcticus schistos.
Captivity: Little has been recorded to date on this subspecies from
Western Australia. Mirtschin and others have published extensively on South
Australian A. antarcticus schistos.
Acanthophis barnetti sp. nov.
Holotype: A young adult male from Pukago (sometimes called "Pakago"),
East Sepik Province, PNG Lat: 03° 52' Long: 142° 57', collected
by W. H. Ewerson on 31st October 1964. Held at the Australian Museum, Sydney,
R129223. Scalation: 120 ventrals, 37 single subcaudals, 11 paired, (48
total), the scale above the eye is not raised, or if so, only slightly.
The general colouration is greyish brown (3 basic colours on the body being
yellowish-brown, greyish-brown and blackish brown, arranged in somewhat
indistinct bands). For colour details of the type specimen see the photo
in this journal. There are no distinct markings on the upper face (supralabials)
and it seems to be mottled all over, which is relatively unusual for PNG
Acanthophis, (or at least certainly in the series held at the Australian
museum). The front ventrals are dark grey with white at the posterior side,
seeming almost like bands (one per scale).
Diagnosis: A medium sized Acanthophis from the northern part
of New Guinea. The animal is readily distinguished from A. laevis
by the fact that the supraocular scale (scale above the eye) is not raised
in the same manner as in A. laevis and it's higher average ventral
scale count (over 118 in A. barnetti). It is also separated from
A. laevis by there being heavier dark pigmentation under the chin
and near ventrals (evident in the type specimen of A. barnetti)(A.
laevis has relatively little in this region of the body). A. barnetti
is separated from A. rugosus by distribution (north of the central
highlands, versus south) and the lack of rugosity on the head and neck.
(Also see for A. laevis, A. rugosus and A. crotalusei, below).
It has been suggested that further studies of Acanthophis
north of the New Guinea central highlands may ultimately result in all
forms being treated as subspecies of a single "lowland" species
(not laevis or rugosus). If such ultimately occurs, then
the name barnetti should be treated as the nominate subspecies in
favour of crotalusei.
Biology: Nothing known. No captive records known for the species.
Etymology: Named after Brian Barnett. Having devoted nearly 50 years
to the study of reptiles, Barnett has kept and successfully
bred many species of reptile in Australia, including being the first
to do so for many species. In 1977, he formed the Victorian
Herpetological Society which through his 21 year presidency of the
society (ongoing in 1998) has helped many hundreds of people to keep and
study reptiles.
Many people who first approached Barnett to obtain their first pet
snake have long since completed tertiary studies and are now doing research
of their own, as are many more who through Barnett's guidance and encouragement
are similarly making new discoveries about Australasian herpetofauna. Barnett's
achievements have also included the bringing in of a workable reptile licensing
system in the State of Victoria, which while being far from perfect, has
been vastly superior to the regime enjoyed in New South Wales over most
of the past two decades, where his influence was not felt by the authorities.
Barnett's wife of many years, Lani and children have also played an essential
role in his herpetological efforts and the species A. barnetti is
also named in their honour.
Acanthophis crotalusei sp. nov.
Holotype: An adult female at the Australian Museum, Sydney, Australia,
R120878 (also with a tag no. 33682) from Madang, Madang District, PNG,
Lat: 5° 12' Long: 145° 47'. Collected by H. G. Cogger on 19 May
1986. Scalation: 123 ventrals, 21 mid-body rows, 37 single subcaudals,
followed by 5 paired, giving a total of 42 subcaudals, 6 supralabials,
7 infralabials, 3 suboculars. The scale above the eye is very raised. The
head and neck scalation is slightly rugose.
For colouration details see photo in this journal. Colouration is
a greyish-brown colour scheme with bands which appear to be indistinct
(the snake was sloughing when killed and was not tampered with when inspected
by this author, noting that markings would tend to be somewhat brighter
after completing the slough). All supralabials and infralabials have distinct
dark blotches in their centres. None of these blotches reach to the lip.
the second last supralabial is very large. A distinct temporal line runs
through the eye, apparently coordinating to an extent with the eye colour.
The head is marginally darker than the neck. The belly has a mottled appearance
but appears to be very dark. The tail has a yellow tip.
Paratypes: R15750, from Madang, Madang District, PNG, Lat: 5°
12' Long: 145° 47' collected by N. B. Blood. R120879, from Madang,
Madang District, PNG, Lat: 5° 12' Long: 145° 47', Collected by
H. G. Cogger on 20 May 1986. R121443, R122103 and R122104 all from Kar
Kar Island, Madang District, PNG, Lat: 4° 37' Long: 145° 54' collected
by G. Mengden and F. Parker in May 1986. All held at the Australian Museum
in Sydney.
Details of R15750: young adult female, 45.5 cm snout-vent, 8 cm tail,
53.5 cm total length. 126 ventrals, 45 subcaudals (total), first 13 subcaudals
single.
Diagnosis: A moderate sized Acanthophis believed to be widespread
in New Guinea, although the current confirmed distribution is confined
to the Madang area. (Further specimens in the collection at the Australian
Museum conformed to this species, but time constraints prevented further
inspection, including scale counts of these to confirm that they were in
fact A. crotalusei).
This species is in many respects intermediate between A. laevis
and A. barnetti. It is essentially similar in appearance to A.
laevis from which it may usually be separated by the following characteristics,
more black pigment on the upper labials, a more thick-set build in adulthood
and higher average ventral count (under 118 in A. laevis, over 118
in A. crotalusei, refer to scale counts quoted by McDowall (1984)).
Some but not all specimens of this species (A. crotalusei) have
a well defined temporal line, particularly in front of the eye (as in A.
barnetti). Separated from A. barnetti by the fact that A.
crotalusei does not have distinct black lines running up the infralabials
to the mouth (like in A. barnetti). A crotalusei tends to
have a more raised supraocular scale than is usually seen in A. barnetti.
Both species are also presently separated by distribution. Separated from
A. rugosus by distribution and the substantially more rugose head
and neck of A. rugosus (in adulthood at least - this author has
not inspected any young A. rugosus). Illustration of this species
(A. crotalusei) in life is shown in O'Shea (1996), p. 157 (lower).
Biology: Not known. Assumed to be similar for other Acanthophis.
Likewise for captivity, although to date nothing is recorded.
Etymology: Named after the author's dog, (itself named after a North
American genus of snake) who guarded the author's house and files against
break ins and raids for over 9 years.
Acanthophis cummingi sp. nov.
Holotype: An adult female specimen in the Australian Museum, Sydney,
Australia, R12438 from Yirrkala Mission, Darwin, NT. Lat: 12° 15' Long:
136° 53'. Scalation: 23 mid-body rows, 31 single subcaudals (at least)(this
is not the complete number of subcaudals), 124 ventrals, about 56 bands
on the body (excluding the head and tail). Black or dark coloured tip of
tail. The type specimen was collected by W. S. Chaseling. For the colour
of the type specimen, see the photo with this paper. Note that the specimen
appears to have faded over time.
Paratype: Another adult female from the same locality, (Lat: 12°
15' Long: 136° 53'), R12552 held at the Australian Museum in Sydney.
23 mid-body rows, for the subcaudals, the 1st is paired, the next 17 are
single, 1 is paired, one is single then the rest are
paired (running towards the tail tip) (this is not the complete number
of subcaudals), 121 ventrals. Black or dark coloured tip of tail. The paratype
was collected by W. S. Chaseling. Note: both the type and paratype presented
difficulties in counting scales accurately; hence no complete count of
subcaudals for either.
Diagnosis: For the colouration in life, see this magazine depicting
a specimen from just south of Darwin, NT. It should be noted that in line
with other Acanthophis, A. cummingi is extremely variable in colour,
even within a single locality.
For many years A. cummingi have been mis-identified as A.
antarcticus. (e.g. Gow 1977). In the last decade or so, many private
reptile keepers have called these snakes "floodplain praelongus"
in order to differentiate them from the "hill form" now known
as A. lancasteri, which occurs in hilly areas of the Kimberley ranges
and elsewhere. There is uncertainty as to the exact distributional status
between both very similar forms. In spite of similarities between what
is herein regarded as A. cummingi and A. lancasteri, it is
proposed that two taxa are involved, hence the assigning of A. cummingi
to the above described variant of Acanthophis. Genetic testing
may help resolve the accurate status of the relationship between these
snakes.
A. cummingi is a relatively large form of Acanthophis
and can usually (in life) be separated from A. lancasteri (and other
Acanthophis) by the following suite of characteristics. Scalation
ranges from smooth to very slightly keeled (less than is usually the
case seen in A. lancasteri). Rugosity appears to be more prominent
in males than for females, a trend shared with A. lancasteri. Adult
A. cummingi in life almost always have distinct yellow bands, which
appear brighter and more pronounced when the snake flattens itself out,
sometimes giving it a flecked appearance. Specimens tend to have larger
and more distinct white markings on the lower supralabials (upper lip)
than is usually the case for A. lancasteri; refer to the paratype
as an example and see photos in this journal. They also appear to be marginally
more thick-set than A. lancasteri and are known to attain larger
sizes (length and weight - see below).
Three live captive A. cummingi in Victoria had ventral counts
of 121, 122 and 120, implying 120-124 is the approximate range for the
species.
Some specimens of A. cummingi become greyish towards the head
and upper neck regions, which is a trait shared with some A. lancasteri.
A. cummingi is separated from all other Australian Acanthophis
by known distribution. Contrary to earlier publications (e.g. Gow 1977),
it is now accepted that there are no A. antarcticus at the top-end
of the Northern Territory.
Maximum size known: This author has seen and photographed a specimen
in captivity held by Chris Hay of Gisborne, Victoria, measuring 92 cm in
total length (in 1997) and of substantial girth, weighing 800 grams (measurements
confirmed by this author). As of April 1998, Hay reported that the snake
had grown slightly since the earlier (1997) measurement had been taken.
A specimen nearly as large was held by Stuart Bigmore at Lara, Victoria.
This makes A. cummingi substantially larger than any A. lancasteri
known (refer to Storr 1981, who gives a maximum snout-vent length for WA
A. lancasteri in his study as 48.2 cm or Cogger 1992 who gives an
average size of 40 cm and maximum of 70 cm (for A. praelongus, including
A. lancasteri). This author has never seen an A. lancasteri
in excess of 75 cm total length.
Venom Toxicity: No published research results are known. On 16/4/96,
Chris Hay, an adult male reptile keeper in Gisborne, Victoria was bitten
by a large (92 cm long) captive adult female A. cummingi (referred
to above) from near Humpty Doo, NT, and was admitted to the Royal Melbourne
Hospital in Parkville, Victoria. He was given 18,000 units of Death Adder
anti-venom to neutralise the venom. This is three times that usually required
to neutralise a Death Adder bite.
Known Distribution: A. cummingi, is believed to be restricted
to the floodplain and adjacent regions of the far north of the Northern
Territory in the vicinity of Darwin, including Fogg Dam and near the Marakai
Floodplains where it is apparently very common. These are the only areas
from where the species is currently known.
Captivity: No breedings of A. cummingi are known to this author.
Relatively few are held in captivity. Those held by keepers Fred Rossignoli,
Ringwood, Victoria, Stuart Bigmore, Lara, Victoria and Chris Hay, Gisborne,
Victoria have presented no husbandry problems and are kept in the same
manner as A. lancasteri and A. antarcticus by other keepers
who have had success with those species. Lack of breeding in captivity
to date (or records thereof), probably result from a lack of specimens
in captivity as opposed to any inherent difficulties in breeding.
A case of cannibalism is known for the species. A large captive female
of about 75 cm (total length), ate a male of about 60 cm (total length).
There was no food in the cage at the time. The female digested the male
in the same manner as usual food eaten
Etymology: Named after Fia Cumming, political reporter in 1998 with
the Sydney Sun-Herald newspaper. In August 1981, she became the
first journalist to report on corruption involving stolen reptiles within
the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). She followed up with
newspaper stories over the following 15 years and her investigations into
a kangaroo meat substitution racket involving senior
NPWS officials and other reptile-related matters, culminated in material
included in the book Smuggled-2 (Hoser 1996). That material became
subject to a series of failed defamation actions against
this author in 1996, which then led to a series of events culminating
in the effective disbandment of most of the (now discredited) law enforcement
arm of NPWS and introduction of a rational reptile licencing system in
NSW for the first time ever in late 1997.
Without the investigations and reportings by Cumming, it is probable
that no such overhaul of reptile and other wildlife laws in NSW would have
ever occurred which would have continued to severely restrict ongoing herpetology
and conservation in that state and by extension, throughout Australia.
In effect, Cumming has possibly contributed more to the field of herpetology
in Australia than any other non-herpetologist.
Acanthophis hawkei Wells and Wellington 1985
Known colloquially as the Barkly Adder, a sub-adult female was depicted
on the front cover of Monitor 8 (3) 1997 (refer to Hoser (1997a)).
Apparently it lives on black-soil plains and is probably the largest Acanthophis.
In spite of the preceding statement, quotes of adult sizes in the literature
are not matched by the sizes of specimens in museum collections or for
that matter private facilities.
A. hawkei is closely related to A. antarcticus, with
which it was confused for many years. Distinguished from most other A.
antarcticus by the fact that the lower part of the supralabials (upper
lip scales) usually (but not always) tends to be creamish in colour
without darker markings reaching the lip, giving it a jagged "white-lipped"
appearance (e.g. see photos in Barnett and Gow 1992 or Hoser 1989, 1995,
1997a).
This jagged "white-lipped" appearance is relatively unusual
in A. antarcticus and has never been seen to the same degree as
is typical for A. hawkei. Excluding A. antarcticus, adult
A. hawkei could not be confused with any other Australian Acanthophis.
Captivity: Breeding data for captive specimens is provided by Barnett
and Gow (1992). Barnett quoted snout-vent lengths of offspring in a litter
ranging from 193-207 mm, which is far in excess that recorded for any other
species of Acanthophis, including A. antarcticus, lending
weight to claims that this is the largest form of Acanthophis. The
species has been bred in captivity in recent years by Brian Barnett in
Victoria (again) and Roland Burrell in South Australia.
Acanthophis laevis Macleay, 1877
This species herein resurrected from the (relatively recent) synonymy
of A. praelongus. Type locality Katow, PNG, Lat: 09° 06' Long:
143° 00'. (Katow is the old name for Mawatta on the Binaturi River
in southern Trans-Fly of Western Province, PNG)(O'Shea, 1998). A. laevis
is also separated from A. praelongus and A. lancasteri by
it's average lower ventral count, (usually under 118 in A. laevis,
and higher than that in A. praelongus).
The type specimen of A. laevis has not been inspected by this
author, however an inspection of Acanthophis from the same locality
and nearby areas conform with Macleay's description and this author has
assigned all those snakes to A. laevis. The snake in question is
substantially different to the A. praelongus described by Ramsay,
which is presumably based on a north Queensland Acanthophis, from
near Somerset, (Cape York) Queensland. Acanthophis laevis has smooth
scales, while A. praelongus tends to have slightly keeled scales.
Head patterning of both species is also usually radically different. For
example compare the photo of A. praelongus from North Queensland
(plate 380, Hoser, 1989) with the A. laevis
shown here.
For most A. laevis seen by this author, the last supralabial
and adjoining temporal shield have a distinct black blotch in the centre.
Such markings have not been observed by myself in A. praelongus,
where instead the darker markings in this region are not defined the same
way and tend more to merge into that of the slightly lighter upper head.
A. laevis from the central and Western Highlands regions of
the Island of New Guinea (including Irian Jaya) tend to have little in
the way of darker head markings or blotches (above the mouth) except for
those at the rear of the mouth (rear supralabials). This includes those
from around "Katow", which appears to be a lowland locality.
Those from more eastern highland areas, west to about Goroka often tend
to have mottling on the forward supralabials, (refer also to photos on
page 157 of O'Shea (1996)). While many species of Acanthophis have
a raised scale above the eye (supraocular), particularly in younger specimens,
none have this trait to the same extent as A. laevis, which retain
the trait into adulthood, when the raised scale remains prominent.
A. laevis though usually associated with highland areas is
known from lowland areas in Western Province and Irian Jaya (e.g. "Katow").
McDowall (1984) noted a lower average ventral count for this species, which
has been confirmed by my own counts of specimens at the Australian Museum
in Sydney (e.g. R14352 from Goroka, PNG, with 115 ventrals (adult female),
versus the low 120's for most other Acanthophis including Queensland
A. praelongus). Macleay's type specimen had 113 ventrals (Macleay
1877).
McDowall (1984) and O'Shea (1996) suggest that highland New Guinea
Acanthophis, herein regarded as A. laevis have strong affinities
to A. antarcticus from Australia. This author disagrees with that
conclusion. Besides the obvious difference of the very raised scale above
the eye (noted by both authors), head markings tend to be quite unlike
most A. antarcticus from Australia. Furthermore, this author has
yet to see any specimens from the New Guinea highlands that attain the
size and weight of some Australian A. antarcticus. Confusion within
Australia between A. antarcticus and A. praelongus may have
led to the above authors making their statements, meaning to imply similarity
to A. praelongus (from Queensland), instead of the more southerly
distributed A. antarcticus.
Reference by O'Shea (1996) of a localized "small montane race
(to 300 mm)" are probably of this species (A. laevis). All
anecdotal evidence, suggests that A. laevis is the smallest of the
four species of Acanthophis known from New Guinea (this paper),
including that of O'Shea (1996) and McDowall (1984). McDowall (1984) noted
that Acanthophis from south-western PNG (near Australia), have little
in common with those from Queensland, Australia, further confirming the
different specific nature of New Guinea Acanthophis. That McDowall
was referring to A. laevis is not in doubt as he identifies it as
"a form with reduced ventral count, reduced black pigmentation and
the temporolabial entering the mouth". Inspection of specimen number
R23960 at the Australian Museum confirmed McDowall's assertion that A.
laevis also on occasion occurred away from the central highlands, including
south-western PNG.
Data for R23960 is as follows:- Collected at Balimo, Aramia River,
Western District, PNG, Lat: 08° 01' Long: 142° 57' on 3 November
1963. Identified by this author as A. laevis. Age: adult. Snout-vent
39.5 cm, Tail 10.5 cm, Total length 50 cm. Sex: male. Scalation is smooth
with 111 ventrals (2 of which were paired), 34 single subcaudals, 14 paired,
(48 total). Other specimens from the same locality are held at the Australian
Museum.
Lindgren (1975), plate 88 depicts a head photo of a snake this author
believes is probably A. laevis in life. However it's facial markings
are not like the A. laevis at the Australian Museum. It is believed
that the non-black dark pigment tends to fade faster than the black pigment
in preserved animals; this trait is believed to be common to all Acanthophis.
The point is noted here as a lack of black pigment in A. laevis,
may make specimens fade more than other Acanthophis species.
Biology: Little known, but presumed to be similar to that of other
Acanthophis. Worrell (1972) records this species as being most active
at the end of the wet season which roughly parallels the activities of
Acanthophis in northern Australia by the author's own investigations
and what was said by O'Shea (1996) in his summary of New Guinea Acanthophis.
Lindgren (1975) states Acanthophis in PNG range up to nearly 2000
metres. It is assumed that these high altitude Acanthophis are probably
A. laevis, at least in the highland areas west of Goroka and into
Irian Jaya.
Captivity: Nothing known by this author, although it is assumed that
specimens are in captivity in the northern hemisphere.
Acanthophis lancasteri lancasteri Wells and Wellington 1985
Originally described by Wells and Wellington as "Acanthophis
lancasteri", based on a specimen from near Halls Creek, WA. The
same type of animal is depicted in Hoser (1989),
plates 378, 379 listed there as A. praelongus from Kunnanurra, WA,
(which is not far from Halls Creek) and in Storr, Smith and Johnstone (1986),
p. 127. So far all Acanthophis from the East Kimberley region seen
by this author can be readily assigned to this species. Wells and Wellington
differentiated A. lancasteri from A. praelongus, including
giving it's distribution as being the top end of the Northern Territory
and Western Australia (namely the hilly tropical north, including the Kimberley
Ranges and Arnhem land escarpment). However they failed to give any separating
characteristics between the species.
Perhaps the most readily identifiable difference is in ventral colouration.
A. praelongus tends to have well defined brown spotting on the ventral
scales, which is relatively unusual in A. lancasteri. A. praelongus
usually has two well defined white markings
which are more or less triangular in shape on the lower supralabial scales
(upper lip). A lancasteri (from WA at least) rarely has such markings,
or if present, they are usually not clear and well defined, but rather
mottled in appearance, tending to merge with the adjacent colour. (Both
species have well defined white markings on the infralabials).
This author has also been told that A. lancasteri has a higher
average ventral count than A. praelongus, but has not seen sufficient
data to confirm this assertion. Storr (1981) gives a range of 122-134 (N=12)
for A. lancasteri (which he calls praelongus). Ramsay (1987)
gives a number of "about 120" for the original North Queensland
A. praelongus, which is just outside the range quoted by Storr for
his limited sample of A. lancasteri. In 1980, this author counted
a Cairns, Queensland, A. praelongus as having 124 ventrals.
A lancasteri appears to be restricted to rocky and hilly habitats
or adjacent areas and seems to be most common in areas where Triodia
grasses dominate. My own experiences in the East Kimberley indicate the
species is extremely common where such conditions occur, but rare or absent
elsewhere. Personal communications from people who have collected "praelongus"
type Acanthophis in the Northern Territory indicate a similar situation
usually occurs there.
Longmore (1986) records no Acanthophis (of any species) in
a distinct area of the Gulf of Carpentaria running several hundred kilometers
south from the southern most part of the gulf, although Acanthophis
are known from the islands of the gulf, including Groote (lancasteri)
and Mornington (species not known). This apparent gap separates A. lancasteri
from A. praelongus in north Queensland.
A trend noticeable in some specimens of A. lancasteri is darkening
of the head and neck area. An example of this is seen in Hoser
(1989), plate 378. This feature is not unique to this species, also
being seen in Acanthophis wellsei the Pilbara region of Western
Australia and possibly other forms as well (also see Wilson and Knowles
(1988), p. 330. In A. lancasteri this trait is seen in populations
throughout the range of the species, but becomes more pronounced in populations
from the eastern section of the Northern Territory (see A. lancasteri
bottomi below).
The nominate subspecies A. lancasteri lancasteri is herein
confined to Western Australia and probably adjacent western sections of
the Northern Territory (see below).
Captivity: A. lancasteri is very hardy in captivity and readily
takes to feeding on mice. Male specimens kept by this author (in Sydney)
from Kunnanurra and Turkey Creek, Western Australia presented no problems
until stolen in 1984. At least one remained alive and healthy at Taronga
Zoo, Sydney until at least 1992, when it was photographed by the author,
meaning it had been held captive at that stage for 9 years. It had been
adult when caught. Cannibalism has been recorded for this species, although
it is regarded by this author as being relatively unusual.
Breeding: Has been bred in captivity a number of times, perhaps most
notably by keeper Rob Valentic, of Greensborough, Victoria, whose snakes
were identified as A. lancasteri or "hill praelongus".
Valentic has detailed records of his results and is expected to publish
details of them. A photo of one of Valentic's females giving birth in 1996
was published by Hoser (1997b) and is also published in this journal (see
Valentic (1998)).
Acanthophis lancasteri bottomi subsp. nov.
Holotype: An adult female specimen in the Australian Museum in Sydney,
Australia. R26274. Collected at Angurugu Mission, Groote Eylandt, Gulf
of Carpentaria, Northern Territory, Australia, Lat: 13° 58' Long: 136°
27', by D. Levitt.
Paratype: An adult female from Groote Eylandt, Gulf of Carpentaria,
Northern Territory, Australia. Lat: 13° 59' Long: 136° 28', collected
by H. E. Warren. R10218 held at the Australian Museum in Sydney. Details
of paratype: Snout-vent: 53.5 cm, Tail: 8.5 cm, Total length 62 cm, 129
ventrals, 24 single subcaudals, 18 paired/divided subcaudals, 42 total
subcaudals.
Diagnosis: Essentially similar to the type subspecies A. lancasteri
lancasteri. A moderate sized Acanthophis with strongly rugose
scales on the head and neck. Young specimens have distinct bands which
tend to fade with age, (based on observations of a series of specimens
at the Australian Museum). For colouration details see the photo with this
paper, but note the fact that the animal's colour has faded since death.
Ventrally there are few markings and the belly is a lightish yellowy cream
in colour. (The paratye has some darker flecks on the ventral surface).
Distinguished from A. lancasteri lancasteri by it's strongly darkened
head, which appears to be diagnostic of adults of this race. This subspecies
(bottomi) also appears to occur on the adjacent Australian mainland,
although in some areas, it forms apparent intergrades with the type subspecies
and in some localities specimens assignable to either subspecies may occur.
Ecological notes: Little known. Most abundant in hilly areas. Assumed
to have similar habits to the type subspecies.
Captivity: Nothing recorded.
Etymology: Named after investigative journalist Robert
Bottom, author of several best-sellers about organised crime in Australia.
In the mid 1980's he did a series of reports about corruption
involving fauna officials in New South Wales. In 1991 he reported on
Police corruption in Victoria a full twelve months
before other "mainstream" journalists dared run with the story.
Acanthophis praelongus Ramsay, 1877
Herein restricted to the Cape York region of Queensland and adjacent
areas. Refer to above descriptions of A. laevis and A. lancasteri.
Populations of Acanthophis from Western Australia and the Northern
Territory formerly referred to as this species are now classified as A.
lancasteri. Populations of Acanthophis from New Guinea and other
Islands north of Australia that may have been referred to as this species
are no longer regarded as such (see for A. barnetti, A. crotalusei,
A. laevis, above and A. rugosus below).
Captivity: A. praelongus has been bred in captivity by Roy
Pails of Ballarat, Victoria, Andrew Lowry of Brighton, Victoria and others.
Young are substantially smaller at birth (on average) than for A. lancasteri
which have been bred by Rob Valentic of Greensborough. Excellent photos
of live A. praelongus appear in Hoser (1989, 1995). Young appear
to be more difficult to raise than for other Acanthophis, including
A. lancasteri.
The Lowry breeding was of two Cardwell, Queensland, A. praelongus
which resulted in six live young averaging just 12-13 cm in total length.
Acanthophis pyrrhus Boulenger, 1898
Type locality Station Point NT.
Photos of West Australian A. pyrrhus (armstrongi) appear
in Hoser (1989, 1995) and Storr (1981). Northern Territory A. pyrrhus
is depicted in Cogger (1992).
Captivity: Breeding data for captive specimens is provided by Fyfe
and Munday (1988) and Gow (1981). Photos of mating A. pyrrhus are
published in Glasby et. al. (1993), and Shine (1991). Cannibalism for this
species has been recorded several times, indicating that it is probably
more prone to this behavior than any other Australian Acanthophis.
Acanthophis pyrrhus armstrongi Wells and Wellington 1985
In 1985, Wells and Wellington assigned all Western Australian A.
pyrrhus to a new species, namely "A. armstrongi".
That they intended placing all A. pyrrhus from Western Australia
into the new species is confirmed by their statement 'Storr (1981:207-208)
provided a description of a species from north-western Australia that he
regarded as Acanthophis pyrrhus. However,
we consider that this is really an undescribed species, herein named Acanthophis
armstrongi, and that the species Acanthophis pyrrhus is confined
to central Australia. Acanthophis armstrongi is believed confined
to the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia and can be identified
by referring to the illustrations in Storr (1981: fig 3) and Gow (1983:
Plate 15, (upper), specimen from Port Hedland, Western Australia vide Gow,
Pers. comm.).'
The type specimen of "Acanthophis armstrongi" was
a snake collected 5 km east of Giralia, Western Australia, and is an adult
in the Western Australian Museum, number R61357. The name "armstrongi"
has since erroneously been used to describe a previously undescribed form
from the hilly parts of the Pilbara region south of the Great Sandy Desert,
including those from Millstream, Pannawonica and 60 km NNW of Newman, Western
Australia (e.g. Hoser 1997).
These snakes, herein referred to as A. wellsei are radically
different from the more northern A. pyrrhus, including those from
Port Hedland, WA. As Wells and Wellington clearly indicated they were referring
to a snake known as A. pyrrhus and that it was the form depicted
in Storr (1981) and Gow (1983), which is still recognised by all other
Australian herpetologists as the species A. pyrrhus (or close variant
thereof) rather than the other form, the name armstrongi can clearly
only be applied to A. pyrrhus, either as a junior synonym, subspecies,
or as per Wells and Wellington a sibling species depending on one's taxonomic
judgements.
Also note that the A. pyrrhus depicted in Storr 1981 is from
Giralia, the type locality given by Wells and Wellington for "armstrongi".
Thus armstrongi is not a valid name for the previously undescribed
form and it's use to describe that animal is not correct. That form has
been described later in this paper as A. wellsei.
Within the Pilbara region, A. wellsei appears restricted to
the hilly parts of the Hamersley Ranges and immediately adjacent areas,
while A. pyrrhus armstongi is found in flatter more arid areas to
the north, south and east. The exact distribution of both types of Acanthophis
in the Pilbara is not known. Museum collections appear to have substantial
gaps in distributional samples.
This author regards A. pyrrhus from the Great Sandy Desert
of WA and adjacent areas, including coastal parts of the Pilbara as being
sufficiently different from the nominate form to be given subspecific status.
Specimens of A. pyrrhus armstrongi observed by this author
in life appear to have more yellow colouring dorsally than those seen from
central Australia, although whether this is a general trend difference
between both forms is not yet known.
Acanthophis rugosus Loveridge, 1948
Type locality Merauke, Irian Jaya (south coast of New Guinea). The
type specimen has not been inspected by this author. However an adult specimen
in the Australian Museum R147655 with the same locality data is obviously
the same species.
Upon viewing the Acanthophis at the Australian Museum spirit
house, the animal R147655 was immediately retrieved as being like no other
Acanthophis in the collection. That it's collection locality data
matched that of specimen number 22812 at the Museum of Comparative Zoology
(the type) came as no surprise.
Unlike other species from the island of New Guinea, A. rugosus
has very strongly rugose scales on it's head and neck. The scale above
the eye, does not appear to be raised as in A. laevis. Markings
on the labials and head differ from those of other New Guinea Acanthophis,
however other A. rugosus may display different head markings. At
this stage A. rugosus is not known from any other locality. Cogger
(1983) declared rugosus a junior synonym of praelongus. Neither
species is remotely similar. It is assumed that Cogger had not inspected
type specimens or others from the same localities. A. laevis from
the Highland regions of the Irian Jaya side of the border seen by this
author have looked similar to the one pictured with this paper.
Acanthophis wellsei sp. nov.
Holotype:Held at the Western Australian Museum from Wittenoom Gorge,
WA, Lat: 22° 15' Long: 118° 23', R8886.
Paratypes:R21538 also from Wittenoom Gorge, WA, Lat: 22° 14'
Long: 118° 20'; R17121 and R18493 from Wittenoom, WA, Lat: 22°
20' Long: 118° 19'; R67921 from 31 km SE of Mount Meharry Lat: 23°
10' Long: 118° 54'; and R56097 from Marandoo, WA, Lat: 22° 38'
Long: 118° 07'.
Diagnosis: Known from Millstream and adjacent parts of the Pilbara
region of Western Australia, including Pannawonica and 60 km NNW of Newman,
WA, where it is very common (Ball 1993). Distribution appears to be centred
on the Hamersley Range area. It has been up until now an undescribed form.
Many specimens tend to have black bands and darkening of the head (usually
black), although this is not a diagnostic trait of the species as some
specimens are not marked this way (see Ball 1993).
A. wellsei appears to be most closely related to A. lancasteri
and/or A. pyrrhus, and tends to have smooth to moderately rugose
scales, particularly on the sides. Acanthophis wellsei can in all
cases known to this author, be distinguished from A. pyrrhus by
having two prefrontals as opposed to four in A. pyrrhus (Bush 1988).
The head of this species appears to be "deeper" than seen in
A. pyrrhus and the side of the head does not flare below the eye
as in A. pyrrhus. In these respects it is like A. lancasteri.
A. wellsei is unlikely to be confused with any other Acanthophis.
Distribution of this species appears restricted to the range areas
around the Hamersleys and Chichester Range of the Pilbara, although it
does extend to lower areas nearby. Coastal areas to the north and east
are evidently populated by A. pyrrhus. To date no areas of sympatry
are known. Bush (1988) speculated that hybridisation between the two forms
may occur. Further survey work in the Pilbara is required to fully resolve
the distributional status of both forms.
Captivity: The species has been bred in captivity. Photos of the
snake in life are shown in this journal and can also be seen in Ball (1993)
as well as in Mirtschin and Davis (1992). The author understands numbers
of this snake are being held captive at the present time, both in WA and
the eastern states.
Cannibalism has not been recorded but based on the fact the species
is similar to both A. pyrrhus and A. lancasteri, both
of which are known to have cannibalistic tendencies, the habit is likely
to be observed in A. wellsei. In terms of general husbandry matters,
private keepers have not indicated problems.
An instance of mite infestation in a long-term captive reported to
this author was cured without adverse incident on the captive snake.
Taxonomic History: In 1981, Glen Storr of the Western Australian
Museum published the results of his study of Acanthophis in Western
Australia (Storr 1981). The study was apparently based on preserved museum
specimens. Based on his records published for A. pyrrhus in that
paper, he clearly observed preserved specimens of A. wellsei but
placed them within the earlier described species. This fact is deduced
from his listing 11 out of 33 specimens of "A. pyrrhus"
having two prefrontals, which appears to be diagnostic for A. wellsei
as well as the locality information given for specimens examined as
some locations included areas now known to only have A. wellsei. Type
data given here was derived from that paper.
In 1991 the Western Australian Museum was supplied with two specimens
of A. wellsei (Ball 1993). Other specimens were found by Dave Robertson
and Brian Bush. Bird (1992) reported Ken Aplin of the Western Australian
Museum as having discovered the snake. In 1993, the Second World Congress
of Herpetology was told that Aplin would soon be publishing a description
of the snake. After further effluxion of time it became clear that Aplin
had chosen not to publish a description of the species as it was thought
that Wells and Wellington had already published a description in 1985 and
therefore the species was thought to already have a name ("armstrongi").
In 1997-8 when doing a taxonomic review of Acanthophis, this
author obtained a copy of the Wells and Wellington paper and noted that
they had in fact described "A. armstrongi" as a Pilbara
death adder. However what had apparently been overlooked was that the snake
described by Wells and Wellington had not been the undescribed form of
Acanthophis, but rather the local variant of what is commonly known
as A. pyrrhus.
Bush (1998) confirmed that the snake described by Wells and Wellington
was not the undescribed form herein described as A. wellsei. This
fact is further confirmed by referring directly to the Wells and Wellington
paper and the fact that the snake was apparantly unrecognised by all until
the early 1990's. The Death Adders from Giralia, WA are not the formerly
undescribed form, but rather A. pyrrhus, or what has been recognised
as such (noting Giralia as the type locality for "A. armstrongi")(also
see photo in (Storr 1981) of an A. pyrrhus from Giralia, WA).
This author has been in regular contact with the Western Australian
Museum staff for many years and received correspondences from them implying
that they may undertake and publish a second review of the genus Acanthophis
(e.g. Smith 1997), the first review being that of Storr (1981). It is noted
that a time frame of over 6 years has elapsed since the undescribed Pilbara
Acanthophis was originally found by scientists and staff at the Western
Australian museum. It is noted that to date they have chosen not to describe
it as a new species.
Further noting the conflicting views from Western Australian herpetologists
over their impressions of the true taxonomic status of the previously undescribed
Pilbara Acanthophis, (e.g. Storr 1981, Bird 1992), this author has
decided to publish a formal description of the snake as a new species here.
It is not proper for one group of workers to apparantly monopolise a species
and then fail to publish on it within an acceptable period, noting that
6 years is deemed by this author to be an unacceptable delay. Of course
other authors including those from Western Australia may dispute the assertion
published here that A. wellsei sp. nov. is in fact a separate and
distinct form of Acanthophis. Nothing in the above should be taken
as a personal criticism of anyone at the WA Museum, all of whom this author
holds in highest regard.
Etymology: Named after Richard Wells. He is a highly knowledgeable
and talented herpetologist who in the mid 1980's published a series of
controversial taxonomic works, described by some critics as "reckless"
(cited at the end of this paper).
An attempt was made by a number of high profile herpetologists to
have the International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) to
have the relevant works of Wells and co-author, C. Ross Wellington formally
suppressed. Such did not occur (Shea 1998) and many of the names proposed
by the pair have found their way into widespread acceptance (e.g. Antaresia,
Morelia spilota mcdowelli). Other taxonomic judgements by the two have
either been disagreed with or following further research found to be in
error. However such a situation is not unusual in taxonomy, noting for
example similar judgements being made against the taxonomic works and conclusions
of Storr (e.g. Bohme 1992), Sprackland (e.g. Shea 1998) and others, whom
are still highly regarded and respected within their areas of publication.
Therefore disagreement by peers with the conclusions of Wells and Wellington
should not be in itself relied upon to cast adverse judgement upon the
pair.
Disagreements about taxonomic conclusions are part and parcel of
the science of zoology. In the main the papers of Wells and Wellington
assigned species names to well recognised taxa that until then did not
have such names and as such their taxonomic judgements are not in doubt.
In recent years there seems to have been an attempt by some in the
"herpetological establishment" to wipe any references to Wells
and Wellington from the record, perhaps encapsulated in the attempt by
Sprackland et. al. to wipe the name Varanus keithhornei (Wells and
Wellington 1985) in favour of his later proposed name Varanus teriae
(Sprackland 1991), which violates the basic ICZN rule of "priority".
That case being before the ICZN in 1998. Refer to Shea (1998), or other
relevant articles within the Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature
published in 1997-8 (cases 3042-3043). Another example is the apparent
suppression of a name given by Wells and Wellington in 1985 to the western
form of "Children's Python", subsequently re-named as "stimsoni"
again in violation of the ICZN priority rule.
The name wellsei has been chosen to help ensure that recognition
of the substantial contribution to herpetology in Australia of Richard
Wells remains in the future and is not "erased" from the historical
record. This should not be taken as a carte-blanche endorsement of Wells'
taxonomic judgements in all matters.
Acanthophis woolfi sp. nov. To view
a photo of a specimen of this species - click here.
Holotype: Held at the Queensland Museum from "Mount Isa area",
Queensland, Lat: 20° 44' Long: 139° 29'; R61449.
Paratype: Held at the Queensland Museum from "Mount Isa area",
Queensland, Lat: 20° 44' Long: 139° 29'; R61538
Diagnosis: Similar in most respects to both A. hawkei and
A. antarcticus, to which this form is obviously most closely related.
A.
woolfi may usually be distingushed from the previous two species by
the relative lack of white on the supralabials, (see photos of live specimens
on page 34 of this journal).
Scalation can be moderately rugose and colouration varies, although
reddish/orangey colour forms are most common, which no doubt reflects the
dominant soil colour in their range. In line with A. hawkei, young
A. woolfi tend to have slightly darker and more intense colours
than adults, indicating colour change through life.
Known Distribution: The area bounded by Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Dutchess
and Dajarra, all in north-west Queensland. To the north-west, A. hawkei
appears to take over, while to the west A. pyrrhus becomes the species
encountered. Where A. woolfi occur, no other Acanthophis
are known. There is a possibility that A. woolfi may occur
further south and east of the range indicated here. Museums throughout
Australia appear to lack in Acanthophis specimens from north-west
Queensland. This most probably reflects a lack of collecting rather than
any actual rarity. A. woolfi appears to be reasonably common in
the area between Dutchess (Lat: 21° 21' Long: 139° 52') and Dajarra
(Lat: 21° 42' Long: 139° 31'), with herpetologists reporting seeing
up to five in a single night's driving.
Captivity: Of three specimens known by this author to have been kept
in captivity, none presented any husbandry problems and each lived for
some years. Qld/NPWS refused to give this author a permit to collect and
keep this species, but did grant a permit to collect, hold, photograph,
then release any form of reptile in that state. It is hoped that someone
is eventually allowed to hold these animals legally so husbdandry and ecological
questions can be answered.
Etymology: Named after herpetologist Paul Woolf. He has assisted
many other reptile people for some years through his involvement with the
Herpetological Society of Queensland and other groups. For his efforts
he's been unlawfully harassed by wildlife officials in Queensland and New
South Wales, the latter of which is where he resided in 1998.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Various assistance's, mainly in the form of providing literature,
locality data or providing of study specimens in their care (including
museum specimens), by Brian Barnett, Stuart Bigmore, Frank Bonaccorso,
Brian Bush, John Cann, Allen Greer, Chris Hay, Bill Love, Andrew Lowry,
Samuel McDowall, Mark O'Shea, Ross Sadlier, Grant Turner, Robert Valentic
and Paul Woolf. Many others who freely allowed the author to observe live
snakes in their care and provided other assistance's have been omitted
from this list.
LITERATURE CITED
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item taken by a Death Adder (Acanthophis antarcticus)(Shaw) Herpetofauna
13 (1):31. *
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*
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Death Adders (Acanthophis antarcticus: Serpentes: Elapidae) in the
West Head area, Herptile, 10 (3):96. *
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in Death Adders Acanthophis antarcticus (Shaw). Litteratura Serpentium
(English Edition), 5 (4):157-159. *
Hoser, R. T. 1985c. On the question of immunity
of snakes, Litteratura Serpentium (English Edition), 5 (6):219-232.
*
Hoser, R. T. 1987. Notes on the Breeding of
Death Adders (Acanthophis antarcticus)', Herptile, 12 (2):56-61.
*
Hoser, R. T. 1989. Australian Reptiles and
Frogs, Pierson and Co., Sydney, NSW, Australia. 238 pp.
Hoser, R. T. 1991. Endangered Animals of Australia, Pierson
and co., Sydney, NSW, Australia. 240 pp.
Hoser, R. T. 1992. Search for the Ant-hill Python
Bothrochilus perthensis (Stull, 1932), Litteratura Serpentium,
English Edition, 12 (1):13-19.
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Trade in Australia's Wildlife, Apollo Books, Moss Vale, NSW, Australia.
149 pp.
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Genus Acanthophis, The Reptilian 3 (4) pp. 7-21 and cover,
3 (5):27-34. *
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Trafficking, Crime and Corruption in Australia, Kotabi Publishing,
Doncaster, Victoria, Australia. 280 pp..
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- Journal of the Victorian Herpetological Society 8 (3):135-144 and
cover.
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Some good news, The Reptilian 5 (4):19-23. *
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swallowing their own teeth, Herpetofauna, 21 (2):33. *
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Herpetofauna, 11 (1):11-13.
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21, 1 p..
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Death Adders Acanthophis antarcticus (Shaw) and it's role in conservation,
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from North Australia, Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South
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* Papers can be downloaded
from the world wide web at http://www.smuggled.com/pap1.htm
To download the 5 mb pdf (Acrobat) file of the
exact article as it appeared in the journal Monitor (incl. colour photos
of type specimens) - click here - it will take about 30-40 minutes to download.
Raymond Hoser has
been an active herpetologist for about 30 years and published over 120
papers in journals worldwide. He has written nine books including the
definitive works "Australian Reptiles and Frogs",
"Endangered Animals of Australia" and
the controversial best sellers "Smuggled
- The Underground Trade in Australia's Wildlife",
"Smuggled-2", "Victoria
Police Corruption" and "Victoria Police
Corruption - 2"
Snakes - Death Adders
- Genus Acanthophis - The Definitive Paper - by Raymond Hoser, published
in The Reptilian Magazine (UK) in 1995 - ...The Full text.
Click here to download and view a 3.3 mb mpg (video) file of two mating Sydney Death Adders.
Click here to download and view a 4.4 mb mpg (video) file of two mating Death Adders (A. antarcticus X A. cummingi).
Click here to download and view a different (and more graphic) 7.2 mb mpg (video) file of two mating Death Adders (A. antarcticus male (different to above) X A. cummingi female).
Over 100 Reptile Papers that
can be downloaded.