Echiopsis
Echiopsis is a genus of snake in the family Elapidae. It contains a single species, Echiopsis curta, commonly known as bardick. It is endemic to Australia.
| Echiopsis | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Echiopsis Fitzinger, 1843 |
| Species: | E. curta |
| Binomial name | |
| Echiopsis curta (Schlegel, 1843) | |
Description
The bardick has a solid body color; either tan, reddish brown, brown, or grey. The head is visually distinct from the body. These snakes are rather stout, have pointed tails, and have elliptical pupils. The size of these snakes on average is around 40 cm., although specimens measuring around 70 cm. have been recorded.
These snakes are venomous, albeit mildly. Like all elapids, they inject their venom swiftly through fangs placed in the front of the jaw.[2]
Distribution and habitat
E. curta ranges from southern Western Australia through South Australia, and west to Victoria and New South Wales. It inhabits semiarid grasslands and shrublands, and is usually found under rocks, debris, fallen vegetation, etc.[1]
Ecology
The species is nocturnal. They prey upon a wide variety of rodents, lizards, amphibians, and sometimes birds and insects.[1] It is ovoviviparous, on average birthing 7 young.[2]
References
- Australasian Reptile & Amphibian Specialist Group 1996. Echiopsis curta. 2017 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 25 November 2018.
- "Bardick - Echiopsis curta". Whats snake is that?.