Cryptophis pallidiceps

Cryptophis pallidiceps
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
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 pallidicepsGünther, 1858 Denisonia pallidicepsBoulenger, 1896 Rhinoplocephalus pallidicepsHutchinson, 1990

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 epithetpallidiceps ("pale-headed") refers to its body markings.^[2]

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