Cryptophis pallidiceps

Cryptophis pallidiceps, also known as the western Carpentaria snake or northern small-eyed snake, is a species of venomous snake endemic to Australia. The specific epithet pallidiceps (“pale-headed”) refers to its body markings.[2]

Cryptophis pallidiceps
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Genus: Cryptophis
Species:
C. pallidiceps
Binomial name
Cryptophis pallidiceps
(Günther, 1858)
Synonyms
  • Hoplocephalus pallidiceps Günther, 1858
  • Denisonia pallidiceps Boulenger, 1896
  • Rhinoplocephalus pallidiceps Hutchinson, 1990

Description

The snake grows to an average of about 50 cm in length. The upper body is brown, grey or black, often with a paler head. The sides of the body are yellow-orangish, the belly white.[2]

Behaviour

The species is viviparous, with an average litter size of four. It feeds on lizards and frogs.[2]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and the Top End of the Northern Territory. It inhabits tropical woodlands.[2] The type locality is Port Essington in the Northern Territory.[3]

References
  1. Cogger, H.; Shea, G.; Ellis, R.; Zichy-Woinarski, J. (2017). "Cryptophis pallidiceps". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T178747A83453311. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T178747A83453311.en. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  2. "Northern small-eyed snake". Australian Reptile Online Database. Stewart Macdonald. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  3. "Cryptophis pallidiceps (GÜNTHER, 1858)". Reptile Database. Peter Uetz and Jakob Hallermann. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
Cryptophis pallidiceps
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