Notechis scutatus occidentalis
A species of Tiger snakes Scientific name : Notechis scutatus occidentalis Genus : Tiger snakes
Notechis scutatus occidentalis, A species of Tiger snakes
Scientific name: Notechis scutatus occidentalis
Genus: Tiger snakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By snakesrcool , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Notechis scutatus occidentalis is a remarkable reptile best known for its unique ovoviviparous reproduction - a trait common in some types of snakes where eggs incubate within the female's body and live young are born. As an apex predator, it plays a crucial role in controlling rodent and small mammal populations, thereby maintaining ecological balance. Intriguingly, they often adopt 'warning displays' when feeling threatened, standing erect and inflating their bodies, not necessarily resorting to a bite.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Appearance
Notechis scutatus occidentalis is a medium-sized snake with a cylindrical, muscular body and smooth scales. The species is widely known for its variety of coloration ranging from olive green to dark brown, often with dark crossbands. Its most distinctive feature is a broad, flattened head with large, prominent eyes. There are no significant age, gender or subspecies differences in their appearance.
Behavior
Notechis scutatus occidentalis primarily showcases a solitary, nocturnal lifestyle. Notable for their defensive posturing when threatened, they raise their bodies off the ground, hiss and strike with lightning speed. Primarily terrestrial, they exhibit exceptional swimming propensity, useful in foraging for their amphibian prey. Additionally, their thorough head-to-tail grooming behavior is distinctive.
Photo By snakesrcool , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Elapids Genus
Tiger snakes Species
Notechis scutatus occidentalis