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White-crowned snake

white-crowned snake (Cacophis harriettae)
Mt Glorious, Queensland
Photo © Stewart Macdonald
Cacophis harriettae - Krefft, 1869
Pronunciation  ka-KOH-fiss   HARR-ee-ett-ee
Etymology  Cacophis: 'bad-snake'.
harriettae: after Harriett Scott, illustrator of G. Krefft's The Snakes of Australia, in which this species was described.
Other names   
 
Total length
Species avg: 40 cm
Species max: 56 cm
Reproduction
Oviparous
Clutch size
Average: 5
Range: 2 - 10
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

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.

Similar species

Northern crowned snake (Cacophis churchilli) - has a narrow yellow band across the nape (versus a broad white band).
Southern dwarf crowned snake (Cacophis krefftii) - much smaller; has a narrow yellow band across the nape (versus a broad white band).
Golden-crowned snake (Cacophis squamulosus) - has a brown to yellow streak along each side of the neck (versus a broad white band).

Scale count information


Dorsal scales at midbody   15
Ventrals   168 to 200 with a divided anal scale
Subcaudals   25 to 45 and are divided
Other scale information   Midbody scales are smooth.
Danger rating   Weakly venomous, and not inclined to bite.
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:
  Cacophis harriettae at the Australian Reptile Online Database. Last updated 2017-08-07 19:37:59.
  Retrieved from http://arod.com.au/arod/?species=Cacophis+harriettae on the 28th 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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