Cacophis harriettae

Cacophis harriettae, also known as the white-crowned snake or white-naped snake, is a species of venomous elapid snake endemic to Australia. The specific epithet harriettae honours natural history illustrator Harriet Scott, who illustrated Gerard Krefft's The Snakes of Australia, including this species.[2]

Cacophis harriettae
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Genus: Cacophis
Species:
C. harriettae
Binomial name
Cacophis harriettae
Krefft, 1869
Synonyms
  • Pseudelaps harriettae Boulenger, 1896
  • Pseudelaps harriettae Longman, 1918
  • Glyphodon harrietae Worrell, 1961
  • Aspidomorphus harriettae

Description

The species grows to an average of 40 cm, and a maximum of 56 cm, in length. The upper body is dark grey to black, with broad white bands extending from the snout along the sides of the head to meet at the nape.[2]

Behaviour

The species is oviparous, with an average clutch size of five (range 2–10). It feeds on lizards and reptile eggs.[2]

Distribution and habitat

The species' distribution extends from Mount Abbott, near Proserpine in eastern Queensland, south-eastwards to north-eastern New South Wales. It occurs in moist habitats, including rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests as well as suburban gardens.[2]

References
  1. Shea, G.; Venz, M.; Wilson, S.; Vanderduys, E.; Hobson, R. (2018). "Cacophis harriettae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T102706845A102706850. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T102706845A102706850.en. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  2. "White-crowned snake". Australian Reptile Online Database. Stewart Macdonald. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
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