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File snakes
Acrochordus - Hornstedt, 1787

Pronunciation: AK-roh-KOR-dus
Etymology: from the Greek acrochordon, meaning 'wart'.

Taxonomic notes:

The little file snake (Acrochordus granulatus) used to be placed in the genus Chersydrus.

Notes: Also known as wart snakes.
Statistics: Reproductive modes:
Live-bearing - 2 out of 2 Australian species

Size range:
Smallest Australian species: little file snake (Acrochordus granulatus) at 60 cm
 Longest Australian species: Arafura file snake (Acrochordus arafurae) at up to 250 cm
Number of Australian species: 2
 

Arafura file snake (Acrochordus arafurae)
Adelaide River, Northern Territory
Photo © Matt Summerville
Arafura file snake (Acrochordus arafurae) distribution range map Acrochordus arafurae
Arafura file snake
Year described
McDowell 1979
Description
Grey/brown above with a broad, dark mesh-like pattern; pale below, with the mesh-like pattern extending to the belly. Very loose skin with numerous, fine scales; scales pointed. No noticeable mid-ventral fold. Deeply forked tongue.

little file snake (Acrochordus granulatus)
Weipa, Queensland
Photo © Ray Lloyd
little file snake (Acrochordus granulatus) distribution range map Acrochordus granulatus
Little file snake
Year described
(Schneider 1799)
Description
Grey/brown above with many narrow pale bands. The skin is loose, but not as loose as the skin of the Arafura file snake (Acrochordus arafurae). Scales are numerous and pointed. Prominent mid-ventral fold.

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