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![Aspidites ramsayi ( Woma Python ) [ Original photo copyright © Dr Julian White ]](images/snakes/SNP27021.jpg)
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Family: Pythonidae
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Genus: Aspidites
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Species: ramsayi
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Common Names
Woma Python
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Region
Australia
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Countries
Australia
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Taxonomy and Biology
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Adult Length: 1.10 m
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General Shape
Large in length, cylindrical to slightly laterally compressed bodied snake with a short tail. Can grow to a maximum of about 2.70 metres. Head is not chunky, slightly flattened and distinct from neck. Eyes are medium in size with vertically elliptical pupils. Dorsal scales are smooth. Dorsal scale count ( 32 to 42 ) - ( 43 to 63 ) - ( 33 to 51 ). Cloacal spurs present.
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Habitat
Arid and semi-arid desert ( including sandhill desert terrain ) and extending into dry open woodlands.
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Habits
Terrestrial and mainly nocturnal snake.
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Prey
Feeds mainly on small mammals, reptiles and ground nestling birds.
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Venom
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General: Venom Neurotoxins
Not present
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General: Venom Myotoxins
Not present
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General: Venom Procoagulants
Not present
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General: Venom Anticoagulants
Not present
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General: Venom Haemorrhagins
Not present
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General: Venom Nephrotoxins
Not present
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General: Venom Cardiotoxins
Not present
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General: Venom Necrotoxins
Not present
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General: Venom Other
Not present or not significant
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Clinical Effects
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General: Dangerousness
Bite most unlikely to cause fatality, but death from constriction possible, but rare.
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General: Rate of Envenoming: Zero
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General: Untreated Lethality Rate: Very low
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General: Local Effects
Can cause numerous tooth punctures, with local pain & swelling, potential for secondary infection.
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General: Local Necrosis
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
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General: General Systemic Effects
Does not occur, based on current clinical evidence
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General: Neurotoxic Paralysis
Does not occur
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General: Myotoxicity
Does not occur
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General: Coagulopathy & Haemorrhages
Does not occur
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General: Renal Damage
Does not occur
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General: Cardiotoxicity
Does not occur
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General: Other
Does not occur
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First Aid
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Description: First aid for bites by pythons, boas and other strictly non-venomous snakes (excluding non-front-fanged colubroid snakes).
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Details
If the snake is large and is applying constriction to a vital area, particularly the head, neck, or chest, such that the patient is already, or is in imminent danger of having compromise of vital functions, such as breathing, then the priority is to disengage the snake coils causing such constriction. Beware, for a large snake, constriction of more than one person is possible; if possible get several people to assist in controlling the snake. There are no absolute methods for disengaging a constricting snake, but as a starting point, it may be useful to start by unwrapping from the tail end first, progressively unwinding the snake from the patient. Be sure to have someone control the head of the snake, grasping it firmly on the neck, immediately behind the head, but again beware, as the snake may try to throw constricting coils around the hand, arm, or even body of the person grasping the head and may attempt to lever the head out of the person's grasp, allowing the snake to bite.
If the snake is still biting the patient, grip the snake behind the head and endeavour to withdraw the head from the patient, but do not pull the snake head directly backwards as the teeth are recurved, pointing backwards toward the rear of the mouth. It is possible to break teeth off during this process; these lost teeth may act as a focus for secondary infection if not removed promptly. Often, just gripping the snake behind the head, while removing any coils around the patient, may induce the snake to open its mouth and disengage from biting. This is the preferred outcome. Trying to manually open the snakes mouth to disengage it from biting is very difficult, not least because of the loose connection between the right and left sides of the lower jaw, such that each moves independently.
Once the snake has been removed from the patient and secured where no other person is likely to be harmed, the bite wound should be thoroughly washed with clean, preferably sterile water. Disinfectant may be used. Any jewelry, such as rings or bangles, should be removed from the bitten limb, in case major swelling develops.
If there has been major constriction by a large snake there is the possibility of injuries to limbs or internal organs distant from the bite site. In this setting, early medical attention is required, to assess for such injuries.
For all but minor bites by small snakes, there is a risk of potentially severe local infection. It is therefore advisable, if possible, to seek early medical attention, for update of tetanus immunisation (if required) and consideration of antibiotic treatment.
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Treatment
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Treatment Summary
Bites by boas & pythons do not cause envenoming, but can cause local pain, swelling, secondary infection, or rarely, more extensive injury from constriction. The wound should be washed thoroughly. If infection develops, commence targeted antibiotic therapy orally, or in more severe cases, IV. No antivenom is available, nor is it needed, because these snakes are non-venomous.
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Key Diagnostic Features
Local teeth marks, pain, swelling
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General Approach to Management
Most cases will be minor & not require admission.
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Antivenom Therapy
No antivenom available
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