Pseudechis butleri

The spotted mulga snake (Pseudechis butleri ) is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to Western Australia. It is a member of the genus Pseudechis, dangerously venomous snakes that can intimidate an opponent by raising the head and presenting a hood. This cobra-like threat display is supported by the ability to produce a very large amount of venom. Common names for P. butleri include Butler's black snake, Butler's snake, and spotted mulga snake. P. butleri is similar to P. australis, the larger common mulga snake, which also occurs in its range. However, P. butleri is spotted and does not exceed a total length (including tail) of 1.6 m (5.2 ft). The snout to vent length (SVL) is up to 1.41 m (4.6 ft). The dorsum of the body is speckled with black, but is mainly covered in yellow or brownish scales with black edges. The distribution of P. butleri is within the Murchison region of Western Australia, where it occurs in Acacia woodlands on stony and loamy soils, and occasionally amongst rocks. Specimens of this West Australian endemic species have been recorded in Mullewa in the north, as far west as Leonora, and to the east near Laverton, all in Western Australia. The venom of P. butleri contains systemic myotoxins. Treatment for positive envenomation is the same as for P. australis, using a black snake antivenom. The generic name, Pseudechis, suggests a similarity to the African-Asian vipers of the genus Echis. The specific epithet, butleri, commemorates Australian naturalist William Henry 'Harry' Butler.