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Robust burrowing snake

robust burrowing snake (Antaioserpens albiceps)
Aurukuun, Queensland
Photo © Anders Zimny
Antaioserpens albiceps - (Boulenger, 1898)
Pronunciation  ann-TAY-ee-oh-SIR-puhns   AL-bee-ceps
Etymology  Antaioserpens: 'From the Greek Antaios, a giant wrestler whose strength was renewed when he touched the earth.'1
albiceps: white-head
Other names  north-eastern plain-nosed burrowing snake
 
 
Total length
Species avg: 29 cm
Species max: 40 cm
Reproduction
Oviparous
Clutch size
Average: 5
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

A relatively small, orange to brown snake possessing a prominent dark band across the nape, as well as black and white flecking on the head and snout. Body scales are dark-edged, giving the snake a reticulated appearance.

Similar species

Unbanded shovel-nosed snake (Brachyurophis incinctus) - has a protruding, wedge-shaped rostral scale, versus rounded in A. warro.
This species could also potentially be confused with snakes of the genus Furina, from which it can be distinguished by the pale flecks on its head, as well as its weakly shovel-shaped head, as opposed to the depressed heads of Furina.

Taxonomic notes

Formerly confused with Warrego burrowing snake (Antaioserpens warro).

Scale count information


Dorsal scales at midbody   15
Ventrals   135 to 165 with a divided anal scale
Subcaudals   15 to 25 and are divided
Other scale information  
Danger rating   Probably virtually harmless.
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:
  Antaioserpens albiceps at the Australian Reptile Online Database. Last updated 2018-06-04 14:52:22.
  Retrieved from http://arod.com.au/arod/?species=Antaioserpens+albiceps 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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