tiger snake, noun phrase

Origin:
So called because its stripes are reminiscent of those on a tiger: see quotation 1974.
The slightly venomous colubrid snake Telescopus semiannulatus semiannulatus; also with defining word, eastern tiger snake.
1910 F.W. Fitzsimons Snakes of Sn Afr. 54Tiger Snake, Average length 2 feet to 2 feet 6 inches.
1929 J. Stevenson-Hamilton Low-Veld 122Among them may be noted the tiger snake (Tarbophis semiannulatus), which is often discovered living among a colony of weaver birds at nesting time, presumably preying mainly on their young.
1947 J. Stevenson-Hamilton Wild Life in S. Afr. 330The tiger snake..is a yellowish snake spotted with brown.
1950 W. Rose Reptiles & Amphibians 280The Tiger Snake, Tarbophis semiannulatus.., is yellow-brown above with numerous dark bands, white belly...It eats lizards...It also seizes roosting birds.
1974 V.F.M. Fitzsimons in Std Encycl. of Sn Afr. X. 504Tiger-snake, A slightly poisonous member of the back-fanged group of snakes of the family Colubridae, which is conspicuously marked throughout its length with alternate black and yellow to reddish brown cross-bands.
1987 Patterson & Bannister Reptiles of Sn Afr. 81Eastern Tiger Snake,..An irascible species, it bites at the least provocation, even after years in captivity, but its venom is mild and of no consequence to humans.
1988 B. Branch Field Guide to Snakes & other Reptiles of Sn Afr. 86Eastern Tiger Snake, Telescopus semiannulatus...When first encountered, they will strike readily and often.
The slightly venomous colubrid snake Telescopus semiannulatus semiannulatus; also with defining word, eastern tiger snake.
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tigerfish, nounn.tiger-wolf, nounn.
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