AROD > Reptiles / Squamata / Elapidae / Denisonia /
Ornamental snake |
Theodore, Queensland Photo © Stewart Macdonald |
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Denisonia maculata | ||||||||||
Pronunciation | den-is-SOHN-ee-ah MACK-you-LAH-tah | |||||||||
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Etymology |
Denisonia: after Sir William Denison, a former governor of New South Wales.
maculata: 'spotted'. |
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Other names |
Ornamented snakes
Hoplocephalus maculatus Denisonia ornata Hoplocephalus muelleri |
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Description | Distribution | Natural history | Conservation | Further information | More photos |
Natural historyThis snake has a distinctive defensive posture, where the body is flattened and held in a series of stiff curves. This snake will thrash around and bite savagely if provoked. Mainly nocturnal, being active on warm nights. While not generally regarded as dangerous to man, bites from this species may result in localised swelling1 . Earlier reports of loss of consciousness following a bite2 may have actually been referring to De Vis' banded snake (Denisonia devisi)1 . Regardless, large specimens should be treated with caution. DietFeeds mainly on frogs.3 |
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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: Denisonia maculata at the Australian Reptile Online Database. Last updated 2019-05-09 14:33:49. Retrieved from http://arod.com.au/arod/?species=Denisonia+maculata 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. |