Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Order Squamata Scientific name Austrelaps ramsayi | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Serpentes Rank Species | |
Similar Austrelaps, Pygmy copperhead, Lowland copperhead, White‑lipped snake, Drysdalia | ||
Austrelaps ramsayi, commonly known as the highlands copperhead, Ramsay's copperhead, or the yellow-bellied black snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to Australia.
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Etymology
The specific name, ramsayi, is in honour of Edward Pierson Ramsay, who was an Australian ornithologist and herpetologist.
Description
A. ramsayi has an average total length (including tail) of 113 cm (44 inches). It can vary in upper (dorsal) colour from mid to very dark brown, with a creamy yellow belly tinged with red between the differing colours.
Geographic range
The highlands copperhead inhabits the Alpine regions of eastern Australia, and is common in the Southern Highlands of NSW, including Mittagong, Bowral and Moss Vale.
Habitat
A. ramsayi is found in montane heath, woodland, sclerophyll forests, along water bodies, and in swampy areas with thick clumps of tussock grass.
Reproduction
Austrelaps ramsayi is ovoviviparous, with between 9 and 31 young per brood.