Cryptophis pallidiceps

Cryptophis pallidiceps, also known as the western Carpentaria snake or northern small-eyed snake, is a species of venomous snake endemic to Australia. The specific epithet pallidiceps ("pale-headed") refers to its body markings.^[2]

Cryptophis pallidiceps
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Elapidae
Genus:	Cryptophis
Species:	C. pallidiceps
Binomial name
Cryptophis pallidiceps (Günther, 1858)
Synonyms
Hoplocephalus pallidiceps Günther, 1858 Denisonia pallidiceps Boulenger, 1896 Rhinoplocephalus pallidiceps Hutchinson, 1990

Description

The snake grows to an average of about 50 cm in length. The upper body is brown, grey or black, often with a paler head. The sides of the body are yellow-orangish, the belly white.^[2]

Behaviour

The species is viviparous, with an average litter size of four. It feeds on lizards and frogs.^[2]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and the Top End of the Northern Territory. It inhabits tropical woodlands.^[2] The type locality is Port Essington in the Northern Territory.^[3]