
Australian copperhead or Denisonia superba
Austrelaps is a genus of venomous elapid snakes native to the relatively fertile, temperate, southern and eastern part of the Australian continent. Three species are currently recognized, with no subspecies. They are commonly called copperheads or Australian copperheads. They are not closely related to the American copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix.
Common names include copperhead, diamond snake, superb snake, lowland snake, and highland snake.
Description
Coloration is reddish brown to dark brown. A few from Queensland are black.
Characteristics
Rather sluggish disposition but will bite if stepped on. When angry, rears its head a few inches from the ground with its neck slightly arched. Its venom is neurotoxic.
Habitat
Swamps.
Length
Average 1.2 meters (4 feet), maximum 1.8 meters (6 feet).
Distribution
Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland, and Kangaroo Island.
Image Credits
In-Article Image Credits
Lowland copperhead in Mullawallah Wetland (formerly Winter Swamp) Ballarat, Victoria via Wikimedia Commons by Ed Dunens with usage type - Creative Commons License. August 28, 2015Featured Image Credit
Lowland copperhead in Mullawallah Wetland (formerly Winter Swamp) Ballarat, Victoria via Wikimedia Commons by Ed Dunens with usage type - Creative Commons License. August 28, 2015