Neelaps calonotos, also known commonly as the black-striped burrowing snake, the black-striped snake, and the western black-striped snake, is a species of venomous burrowing snake endemic to Australia. The specific epithet calonotos ("beautiful-backed") refers to the patterning on the upper surface of the body.[3]
Neelaps calanotos rarely grows to a total length (including tail) of more than 28 cm (11 in), and is considered to be Australia's smallest venomous snake. Females are larger than males. Dorsally, it is reddish-orange, with a narrow black stripe along the back. The belly is whitish. Three black patches cover the snout, top of the head, and the nape.[4]
Neelaps calonotos is oviparous, with an average clutch size of four (range 2–6).[3]
Neelaps calonotos is nocturnal, staying in loose sand during the day and preying on small animals such as lizards at night.[4]
Neelaps calonotos occurs in coastal south-western Western Australia.[3] It lives in dunes as well as open woodlands and shrublands with sandy soils.[4]
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) Neelaps calonotos, also known commonly as the black-striped burrowing snake, the black-striped snake, and the western black-striped snake, is a species of venomous burrowing snake endemic to Australia. The specific epithet calonotos ("beautiful-backed") refers to the patterning on the upper surface of the body.
