Acanthophis rugosus Loveridge, 1948

Body Form and Patterning

The body of Acanthophis rugosus ranges from slender to stout, and may be a single solid colour or marked with crossband patterning.

Midbody Scale Characteristics

It has smooth or keeled scales arranged in 19 to 23 rows at midbody.

Head and Supraocular Scales

Its head is angular, with elevated supraocular scales.

Labial and Temporolabial Scales

There are 6 to 7 supralabials, and a temporolabial scale is present.

Eye Features

Its eyes are small, with vertically elliptical pupils.

Tail Morphology and Coloration

The tail is slender, extremely distinct from the main body, and ends in a flattened spinous tip; this tip may be black or yellow, and contrasts with the body's dorsal colouration.

Native Distribution

This species is native to northern Australia, specifically Arnhem Land, and also lives in Australian deserts.