Brachyurophis morrisi

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Brachyurophis morrisi
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Genus: Brachyurophis
Species:
B. roperi
Binomial name
Brachyurophis roperi
(Horner, 1998) Greer 2006
Synonyms
  • Simoselaps morrisi Horner 1998

Brachyurophis morrisi, also known as the Arnhem shovel-nosed snake, is a species of venomous burrowing snake that is endemic to Australia. The specific epithet morrisi honours author and naturalist for his contributions to knowledge of the animals of the Northern Territory, who first collected the species in 1970.[1]

Description[]

The species grows to an average of about 23 cm in length. It is orange-brown in colour and unbanded apart from a dark band across the nape. The body scales are often dark-edged.[1]

Behaviour[]

The species is oviparous. It feeds on reptile eggs.[1]

Distribution and habitat[]

The species’ range is limited to northern Arnhem Land in the tropical Top End of the Northern Territory, where it occurs in woodland dominated by Eucalyptus miniata.[1]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d "Arnhem shovel-nosed snake". Australian Reptile Online Database. Stewart Macdonald. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
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