Austrelaps ramsayi
| highlands copperhead | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Austrelaps |
| Species: | A. ramsayi |
| Binomial name | |
| Austrelaps ramsayi (Krefft, 1864) | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Hoplocephalus ramsayi Krefft, 1864 | |
Austrelaps ramsayi, the highlands copperhead, is a venomous species of snake.
Description
The species has an average length of 113 cm (44 inches). It can vary in upper colour from mid to very dark brown, with a creamy yellow belly tinged with red between the differing colours. Commonly referred to as "Yellow-bellied Black Snake".
Distribution and habitat
The highlands copperhead inhabits the Alpine regions of eastern Australia, and is common in the Southern Highlands of NSW, including Mittagong, Bowral and Moss Vale.
It is found in montane heath, woodland, sclerophyll forests, along water bodies, and in swampy areas with thick clumps of tussock grass.[1]
Reproduction
Austrelaps ramsayi is ovoviviparous, with between 9 and 31 young per brood.[2]