| Rough-scaled Snake | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Tropidechis |
| Species: | T. carinatus |
The rough-scaled snake (Tropidechis carinatus) is a highly venomous Australian elapid. The animal's name comes from its scales that are raised above the surrounding scales and have rough texture. The scales are known as "keels".
Contents |
The snake is brown to olive with narrow, irregular cross-bands or blotches of darker brown. The belly surfaces are greenish-grey or olive-cream, often with darker blotches. The mid-body scales have a raised keel or carinated appearance. The coloration and scale structure has led to some confusion with the non venomous Keelback snake. It grows to around 70cms in length.
The snake's habitat includes rainforests, moist open air forests and waterways.[1] It is found from mid-eastern New South Wales to the tip of far-north Queensland.
The snake is active both day and night. It can climb trees in pursuit of prey. The Rough-scaled snake is highly venomous and will readily bite if attacked or handled.
Variety of small vertebrates; frogs, lizards, small mammals, birds. Generally forages at ground level but can climb to take prey.[2]
The Rough-scaled snake is a highly venomous snake its venom is a fast acting powerful neurotoxin that it is both presynaptic and post-synaptic. It also has potent coagulant's as well as myotoxin's. It has potent post-synaptic neurotoxins as well as potent pre-synaptic neurotoxins it will readily bite and is known for its foul disposition and defensive nature. Several fatality's have occurred due to this species and it will strike rapidly in defense.
http://www.kingsnake.com/toxinology/old/snakes/Tropidechis/Tropidechis.html