Oxyuranus microlepidotus

(McCoy, 1879)

Vernacular names
English : Inland taipan
French : Taipan à tête noire, Serpent féroce

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Elapidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 1.90 meters in length, the record is 2.50 m. Slender-bodied snake with a small head, round snout and smooth scales. Coloration is dark brown with black head in winter, olive-beige with black spotting in summer.

Range and habitat
This species is endemic to Australia and occurs in southern Queensland and adjacent areas of South Australia with two disjunct populations further south. Lives in semi arid regions, especially in the black soil plains.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species seems to remain safe at this time as its habitat is difficult to reach. However an assessment of possible threats needs to be done.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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