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Cacophis

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cacophis
Cacophis squamulosus,
golden-crowned snake
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Subfamily: Hydrophiinae
Genus: Cacophis
Günther, 1863
Species

4, see text

Cacophis is a genus of venomous snakes, commonly known as crowned snakes, in the family Elapidae. The genus is endemic to Australia.

Description

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All species of Cacophis have a distinct "crown" pattern on the head, which gives them their common names. They are venomous, but not dangerous to people.

Species

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The following four species are recognized as being valid.[1]

Nota bene: In the above list, a binomial authority in parentheses indicate that the species was originally described in a genus other than Cacophis.

Distribution and habitat

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Species of Cacophis are distributed along eastern Australia.[2] They inhabit a variety of forest types, from woodland to rainforest.

Behaviour

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Cacophis species are generally nocturnal and feed on lizards and reptile eggs.

References

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  1. ^ Cacophis at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 26 June 2019.
  2. ^ "Genus Cacophis Günther, 1863". Australian Faunal Directory. 1 February 2017. Retrieved 26 June 2019.

Further reading

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  • Cogger HG (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Seventh Edition. Clayton, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. xxx + 1,033 pp. ISBN 978-0643100350.
  • Günther A (1863). "Third Account of new Species of Snakes in the Collection of the British Museum". Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., Third Series 12: 348-365 + Plates V & VI. (Cacophis, new genus, p. 361).
  • Swan, Gerry (1995). A Photographic Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Australia. Sydney: New Holland. 144 pp. ISBN 1-85368-585-2.
  • Wilson, Steve; Swan, Gerry (2013). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, Fourth Edition. Sydney: New Holland Publishers. 522 pp. ISBN 978-1921517280.