Species

Dugite

Pseudonaja affinis affinis
Category: Category 5
Care Sheets:

Genus: Pseudonaja
Seven moderate to very large spp. with narrow heads and moderately large eyes, round pupils and normally pale irises (very dark and indistinct in 1 sp.). Scales smooth and weakly glossed in 17-21 midbody rows. Anal and subcaudal scales divided (at most a few anterior subcaudals single). colour variable on all spp., but ventral surfaces usually blotched with orange and most juv. have black blotch on head and broad black band across neck. Spp. are identified by mouth colour, number of midbody scale rows and threat posture. Widespread over Australia, exlcuding far se. Vic and Tas. Most abundtant in dry, well-drained areas, tending to avoid closed moist forests and wetlands. Clearing of land and introduction of the house mouse has benefited some spp., which now thrive in disturbed rural and peripheral suburban areas. Brown Snakes feed on a variety of vertebrates, particularly reptiles and mammals. Prey is subdued by a combination of envenomation and constriction, holding the animal in tight coils unitil venom takes effect. Diurnal to nocturnal and according to temperature, tending to forage mainly at night in n. and by day in s. Egglayers, producing clutches of up to 38 eggs. Brown snakes, thought generally shy, are nervous and aggressive if cornered and provoked, rearing the head and forebody with mouth agape striking repeatedly and savagely. The genus includes some of our most lethal snakes, and all except 1 small sp. are regarded as DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS.

Pseudonaja affinis affinis
Extremely variable, usually with midbosy scales in 19 rows. Mainland snakes are largest, with variable colouration. Ssp. is shades of brown to olive brown, with or without light to dense black speckling comprising scattered wholly dark scales. In se. speckling may be so dense it overrides other colouration and snakes may be completely dark. Juv. have black head and nape, and dark flecks on body forming a herringbone pattern. Ventral surfaces pale brown to greyish white, blotched with orange to brown. Ssp. is widespread in virtually all habitats, from coastal dunes and semiarid woodlands to edges of WSF throughout mainland sw. While mainland snakes can access various small mammals, adults on several islands subsist for the most part on skinks. When harassed, rears forebody in S-shape. DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS

Necessities:

Vivarium	Infrared red heat lamp
Substrate	Water bowl
Thermostat

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