Drysdalia rhodogaster, also known as the mustard-bellied snake or Blue Mountains crowned snake, is a species of venomous snake endemic to Australia. The specific epithet rhodogaster (“red-bellied”) refers to body colouration.[2]

Drysdalia rhodogaster
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Genus: Drysdalia
Species:
D. rhodogaster
Binomial name
Drysdalia rhodogaster
(Jan & Sordelli, 1873)
Synonyms
  • Alecto rhodogaster Jan & Sordelli, 1873
  • Hoplocephalus collaris Macleay, 1887
  • Denisonia coronoides Boulenger, 1896
  • Pseudelaps minutus Fry, 1915
  • Aspidomorphus minutus Minton et al., 1970
  • Notechis rhodogaster Storr, 1982

Description

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The snake grows to an average of about 40 cm in length. The upper body is brown to grey, with a darker head and a yellow to orange band over the nape.[2]

Behaviour

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The species is viviparous, with an average litter size of five. Its diet consists mainly of lizards.[2]

Distribution and habitat

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The species’ distribution is limited to south-eastern New South Wales.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Shea, G.; Cogger, H.; Greenlees, M. (2018). "Drysdalia rhodogaster". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T177569A83453480. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T177569A83453480.en. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d "Mustard-bellied snake". Australian Reptile Online Database. Stewart Macdonald. Retrieved 30 May 2021.