Search AROD:
AROD > Reptiles / Squamata / Elapidae / Cacophis

Crowned snakes
Cacophis - Günther, 1863

Pronunciation: ka-KOH-fiss
Etymology: 'bad-snake'.

Taxonomic notes:

Notes:
Statistics: Reproductive modes:
Oviparous - 4 out of 4 Australian species

Size range:
Smallest Australian species: southern dwarf crowned snake (Cacophis krefftii) at 25 cm
 Longest Australian species: golden-crowned snake (Cacophis squamulosus) at up to 72 cm
Number of Australian species: 4
 

northern crowned snake (Cacophis churchilli)
Mt Bartle Frere, Queensland
Photo © David Fischer
northern crowned snake (Cacophis churchilli) distribution range map Cacophis churchilli
Northern crowned snake
Year described
Wells & Wellington 1985
Description
Dark grey to brown above with a narrow yellow band on the nape; top of head darker than sides and snout.

white-crowned snake (Cacophis harriettae)
Mt Glorious, Queensland
Photo © Stewart Macdonald
white-crowned snake (Cacophis harriettae) distribution range map Cacophis harriettae
White-crowned snake
Year described
Krefft 1869
Description
Black to dark grey dorsally, with a broad white band across the nape that continues forward onto each side of the head. Top of head very dark.

southern dwarf crowned snake (Cacophis krefftii)
Ourimbah, New South Wales
Photo © Henry Cook
southern dwarf crowned snake (Cacophis krefftii) distribution range map Cacophis krefftii
Southern dwarf crowned snake
Year described
Günther 1863
Description
A small dark grey to black snake, possessing a narrow yellow band on the nape.

golden-crowned snake (Cacophis squamulosus)
Mt Glorious, Queensland
Photo © Stewart Macdonald
golden-crowned snake (Cacophis squamulosus) distribution range map Cacophis squamulosus
Golden-crowned snake
Year described
(Duméril, Bibron & Duméril 1854)
Description
Black to dark grey dorsally, with a yellowish streak along each side of the neck extending forward onto the sides of the head and snout. Top of head very dark.

Home
AROD | Reptile Info | About | Contact | In the wild | Reviews