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Southern shovel-nosed snake

southern shovel-nosed snake (Brachyurophis semifasciatus)
Kimba, South Australia
Photo © David Fischer
Brachyurophis semifasciatus - (Günther, 1864)
Pronunciation  BRACK-ee-your-OH-fis   SEM-ee-fass-ee-AH-tuss
Etymology  Brachyurophis: 'short-tailed snake'
semifasciatus: 'half-banded'.
Other names  Half-girdled snake
Simoselaps semifasciatus 
 
Total length
Species avg: 30 cm
Species max: 40 cm
Reproduction
Oviparous
Clutch size
Average: 3
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

Variable; colouration ranges from reddish-brown to orange; the head and nape are marked with dark bars, followed by dark bands of similar width to pale interspaces, running the length of the body. Belly whitish.

Similar species

North-western shovel-nosed snake (Brachyurophis approximans) - has 6 upper labial scales (versus 5).
Australian coral snake (Brachyurophis australis) - has narrow, dark-edged pale bands (versus dark, broad bands).
Narrow-banded shovel-nosed snake (Brachyurophis fasciolatus) - has nasal and preocular scales widely separated (versus in contact).
Northern shovel-nosed snake (Brachyurophis roperi) - has 6 upper labial scales (versus 5).

Scale count information


Dorsal scales at midbody   15 to 17
Ventrals   140 to 190 with a divided anal scale
Subcaudals   14 to 30 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:
  Brachyurophis semifasciatus at the Australian Reptile Online Database. Last updated 2017-08-07 19:38:21.
  Retrieved from http://arod.com.au/arod/?species=Brachyurophis+semifasciatus 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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