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.
Geographic range
It inhabits the Alpine regions of eastern Australia. Very common in the Southern Highlands of NSW, including Mittagong, Bowral and Moss Vale.
Habitat
It is found in montane heath, woodland, sclerophyll forests, along water bodies, and in swampy areas with thick clumps of tussock grass.[1]
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".
Reproduction
Austrelaps ramsayi is ovoviviparous, with between 9 and 31 young per brood.[2]