Dugite

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

iDugite

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Elapidae
Genus:	Pseudonaja
Species:	P. affinis

Binomial name

Pseudonaja affinis

The dugite is a highly venomous snake found in Australia. The dugite is highly venomous and is capable of inflicting a potentially fatal bite.

[edit] Population and distribution

A dugite sunning itself on the walking path next to the Roe Highway in Perth, Western Australia.

Members of the genus are found in southern parts of Western Australia and in remote coastal parts of eastern South Australia. They prefer sandy areas and like most snakes will not normally approach populated areas but may be seen if looking for water. In Western Australia they are currently common in bushland areas, but their numbers are diminishing. They are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and to kill or injure one attracts a fine of up to $4000.

[edit] Physical description

They are coloured grey, green or brown. As with most snakes, the colours vary widely between individuals and are an unreliable means of identifying species. Positive identification is best left to an expert, but the most reliable method of visual identification is by the shape of the head. In the case of a dugite, the head is small compared to the neck, and the head grades inperceptibly into the body. They can grow up to 2m long.

The female dugite lays 10 to 20 eggs at a time.