Pseudoferania

Pseudoferania is a genus of snake in the family Homalopsidae. The genus is monotypic, containing the sole species Pseudoferania polylepis (MacLeay's water snake).^[2] The snake is found in Australia and New Guinea.

Pseudoferania
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Homalopsidae
Genus:	Pseudoferania Ogilby, 1891
Species:	P. polylepis
Binomial name
Pseudoferania polylepis Fischer, 1886
Synonyms[1]
Hypsirhina polylepis Fischer, 1886 Enhydris polylepis (Fischer, 1886) Pseudofeania macleayi Ogilby, 1890

Description

MacLeay's water snake is a largely nocturnal^[3] species that is typically found in coastal Northern Territory. The water snakes spend most of their time in or near water where they feed; they will only leave to bask in the sun or breed. They are found mostly in freshwater lagoons, swamps and creeks and can also be found sheltering in vegetation near water. Their range increases markedly during wet season flooding.^[3] Their most defining characteristic is their stout bodies and strongly keeled scales. In terms of breeding, water snakes are viviparous which means that they give birth to up to 15 ^[3] live offspring instead of laying eggs. They are a mildly venomous species with rear-facing fangs.^[4]