Cryptophis nigrostriatus

Cryptophis nigrostriatus
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Elapidae
Genus:	Cryptophis
Species:	C. nigrostriatus
Binomial name
Cryptophis nigrostriatus (Krefft, 1854)
Synonyms
Hoplocephalus nigrostriatus Krefft, 1864 Alecto dorsalis Jan & Sordelli, 1873 Denisonia nigrostriata Boulenger, 1896 Parasuta nigrostriata Worrell, 1961 Suta nigrostriata Parker, 1972 Unechis nigrostriatus Cogger, 1975 Rhinoplocephalus nigrostriatus Storr, 1984 Suta nigrostriatus Shine, 1994 Unechis durhami Hoser, 2012

Cryptophis nigrostriatus, also known as the black-striped snake, is a species of venomous snake native to Australia and New Guinea. The specific epithet nigrostriatus (“black-striped”) refers to its body markings.[2]

Description

The snake is slender and grows to an average of about 50 cm in length. The upper body is reddish-brown to pink, with a black, full-length vertebral stripe and dark head.[2]

Behaviour

The species is viviparous, with an average litter size of six.[2]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in the southern Western Province of Papua New Guinea, and in Australia from the northern Cape York Peninsula south-eastwards through eastern Queensland to Rockhampton. It inhabits dry woodlands. The type locality is near Rockhampton.[2]

References

1. Tallowin, O.; O'Shea, M.; Parker, F.; Amey, A.; Hoskin, C.; Vanderduys, E. (2018). "Cryptophis nigrostriatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T42492861A42492872. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T42492861A42492872.en. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
2. "Black-striped snake". Australian Reptile Online Database. Stewart Macdonald. Retrieved 29 May 2021.