Brachyurophis incinctus

Brachyurophis incinctus is a species of snake from the family Elapidae, commonly named the unbanded shovel-nosed snake, and is a species endemic to Australia.^[3] Its common name reflects its shovel nose specialisation, burrowing behaviour and the fact that it is not banded on its body.

Brachyurophis incinctus
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Least Concern (NCA)[2]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Elapidae
Genus:	Brachyurophis
Species:	B. incinctus
Binomial name
Brachyurophis incinctus (Storr, 1968)
Synonyms
Simoselaps incinctus Vermicella semifasciata incincta

Description

The unbanded shovel-nosed snake is an oviparous, mildly venomous,^[4] and small (less than 400 millimetres or 16 inches) burrowing snake,^[5] which is not banded on its body.^[5][6]

Taxonomy

Brachyurophis incinctus is one of eight currently recognised species within the genus Brachyurophis.^[3][5] It was first described by Glen Milton Storr in 1968 as Vermicella semifasciata subsp. incincta.^[7][6]

Distribution & habitat

Brachyurophis incinctus is found in central Australia (in the Northern Territory) and in western Queensland, in grasslands, shrublands and deserts.

Conservation status

The conservation status of B. incinctus is assessed by the Queensland Government as being of "Least Concern"^[2] and is similarly assessed by the IUCN, with the comment that it is "unlikely that any major threat is impacting this species".^[1]