Collett's snake
Collett's snake | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Elapidae |
Genus: | Pseudechis |
Species: | P. colletti
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Binomial name | |
Pseudechis colletti Boulenger, 1902
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Collett's snake (Pseudechis colletti), also commonly known as Collett's black snake, Collett's cobra, or Down's tiger snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to Australia. Collett's snake is capable of delivering a fatal bite and is considered the nineteenth most venomous snake in the world.[1]
Taxonomy and etymology
Collett's snake is one of several species in the
Belgian-born British zoologist George Albert Boulenger described the species P. colletti in 1902,[3] naming it in honour of Norwegian zoologist Robert Collett.[4][5] A young snake had been collected by Collett, and Boulenger had noted its scale pattern to be distinct from the Papuan black snake.[3]
Description
The most colourful member of the black snake genus Pseudechis, Collett's snake has dark brown to black upperparts, with pink or cream banding and sides, and pale yellow to orange underparts.[6] The irregular bands are usually cross-shaped and are generally an orange-red colour. The underbelly is normally the same colour as the bands, but may have varied discolourations or discoloured patches. Juveniles are usually the same colour as adults but generally have brighter shades and contrast more. It is similar in physical structure (but not appearance) to the red-bellied black snake.
Collett's snake is usually between 1.8–2.2 m (5.9–7.2 ft) in total length (including tail). Males can reach up to 2.6 m (8.5 ft) in total length, while females can reach up to 2.1 m (6.9 ft). At birth, it is usually 30 cm (0.98 ft) in total length.
Venom
Previously thought to be only moderately venomous to people, Collett's snake is now known to have been responsible for severe envenomation, with cases proceeding to
The venom produced by Collett's snake is similar to the
Distribution and habitat
Collett's snake is found in central western Queensland, and is diurnal.[6] It is primarily found to the west of Queensland and spreading from the north to south. It is found in dry-barren areas or plains.
Behaviour
Diet
The main diet of Collett's snake consists of
Reproduction
Mating of P. colletti occurs from early August to late October. Collett's snake is oviparous and may lay up to 20 eggs in a clutch.[6] Reproduction in captivity is known to be highly successful.
References
- ^ a b Eipper, Scott. "Collett's Snake". Retrieved 2007-12-28.
- PMID 15579378. Archived from the original(PDF) on 2007-02-03. Retrieved 2012-04-04.
- ^ . (Pseudechis colletti, new species).
- ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Pseudechis colletti, p. 56).
- ISBN 978-0-8018-9304-9.
- ^ ISBN 0-207-15806-1.
- ^ PMID 16434468.
- ^ Australian Venom Research Unit. "Collett's Snake". Retrieved 2007-12-28.
External links