Dugite
| Dugite | |
|---|---|
 |
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| A dugite on a walking path | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Pseudonaja |
| Species: | P. affinis |
| Binomial name | |
|
Pseudonaja affinis Günther, 1872 |
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| subspecies | |
The dugite /ˈdjuːɡaɪt/ (Pseudonaja affinis) is a species of venomous, potentially lethal, snake native to Western Australia, a member of the family Elapidae.
The local Nyungar name for the dugite is dobitj.
The dugite is a venomous snake, considered dangerous. The dugite is coloured grey, green, or brown. The colours vary widely between individuals and are an unreliable means of identifying the species. Black scales can be scattered over the body; their scales are relatively large with a semi-glossy appearance. The most distinguishing characteristic is the head that can be rather small and indistinct from the neck. A dugite's body is long and slender in build and can grow up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in total length (including tail), but the average size is roughly 1.5 metres.
P. affinis is found in southern parts of Western Australia and in remote coastal parts of western South Australia.
The Dugite occupies a wide variety of habitats ranging from coastal dunes, heathlands, shrub lands to woodlands. The Dugite also appears to thrive in heavily degraded habitats such as golf courses, industrial areas, and open agricultural farmlands.
The Dugite is one species of snake that has increased in population since the opening up of its natural habitats and introduction of the house mouse due to the mouse being a main food source for the Dugite. In the Perth metropolitan area, the Dugite is one of the most common snakes found next to buildings. In areas of human population the snake will take temporary shelter under things such as concrete slabs, fibro sheeting and roofing tin, although in more natural habitats they will shelter under rocks and in abandoned termite mounds. They are also a snake species that burrows during the winter period.
In the wild they may be sheltering beneath logs or rocks. When disturbed, Dugites are very shy and will often slither away, however they will defend themselves if cornered. The species is diurnal. On hot days, activity occurs mainly in the morning, and to lesser extent in the afternoon.
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Wikipedia