Species

Gwardar

Pseudonaja nuchalis
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 nuchalis
Extremely variable, with large, strap-like rostral scale and midbody scales in 17 rows. Lower labial scales 6. Mouth-lining blackish. Iris red, forming broken circle. Probably comprises several spp. Shades of dull brown to rich reddish brown or bright orange, displaying a bewildering array of colour forms, too many and complex to cover (at least 16 in NT alone). Several trends predominate, complicated by a tendency in s. to become paler in summer: head paler, and with black scales on nape either scattered or arranged to form a V or W shape; body marked with dark reticulum or herringbone pattern, and head and neck glossy black; prominent broad dark bands; uniform brown with paler snout; simple scattered wholly black scales. Ventral surfaces cream to bright yellow with scattered orange blotches. Virtually all dry to arid areas, from tropical woodlands to spinifex deserts and southern mallee woodlands. Feeds largely on lizards, mammals and occasionally, other snakes. Cornered individuals rear their forebodies in an S-shape. DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS

Necessities:

Vivarium	Infrared red heat lamp
Substrate	Water bowl
Thermostat

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