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Keelback

keelback (Tropidonophis mairii)
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
Photo © Stewart Macdonald
Tropidonophis mairii - (Gray, 1841)
Pronunciation  TROP-id-oh-NOH-fis   MARE-ee-ee
Etymology  Tropidonophis: 'keeled snake'.
mairii: after Dr A. Mair, who donated the type specimen to the British Museum.
Other names  Freshwater snake
Natrix mairii
Amphibiesma mairii
Styporhynchus mairii
 
 
Total length
Species avg: 50 cm
Species max: 120 cm
Reproduction
Oviparous
Clutch size
Average: 9
Range: 5 - 12
Length and clutch size information comes from a variety of sources, but primarily from Shine (1991) and Cogger (2000).
Description Distribution Natural history Conservation Further information More photos

Description

Grey, brown to red above, with indistinct dark bands and pale and dark flecks. Scales are strongly keeled.

Similar species

Rough-scaled snake (Tropidechis carinatus) - lacks a loreal scale and has single anal and subcaudal scales.

Taxonomic notes

T. m. mairii is found in Australia.
T. m. plumbea is found in New Guinea.

Scale count information


Dorsal scales at midbody   15 to 17
Ventrals   130 to 165 with a divided anal scale
Subcaudals   50 to 85 and are divided
Other scale information   Scales strongly keeled (hence the common name). Midbodies normally in 15 rows; rarely 17.
Danger rating   Non-venomous. Can release a foul odour when harassed.
Note: even a bite from a 'virtually harmless' or non-venomous reptile can result in serious complications. Play it safe and don't get bitten by anything.
Notes and disclaimer
This information may not be complete. While all care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this page, primary sources should always be consulted for definitive information. Animals have an endearing habit of disobeying the rules, so the information on this page should be interpreted with a degree of flexibility.
The author and site operator accepts no responsibility for any losses or damages incurred through using this web site or the information contained herein. Don't get bitten by anything!
This page may be cited as:
  Tropidonophis mairii at the Australian Reptile Online Database. Last updated 2019-05-02 15:02:24.
  Retrieved from http://arod.com.au/arod/?species=Tropidonophis+mairii on the 29th of March, 2024.
Before citing information contained in AROD, please read our Citing AROD page.

Copyright notice
This page, its content and layout are copyright © 2007-2024 Stewart Macdonald / Ug Media, unless otherwise stated.
All photographs in The Australian Reptile Online Database are © the photographer and may not be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the photographer.
No part of The Australian Reptile Online Database may be reproduced without written permission from Stewart Macdonald.
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