Cacophis squamulosus (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854)

Common Name & Classification

Cacophis squamulosus, commonly called the golden-crowned snake, is the largest species of crowned snake.

Size

On average, this snake reaches a total length of 50 cm (20 in) including the tail, and it can grow as large as 98 cm (39 in).

Body Coloration

Its dorsal (upper) surface ranges from grayish-brown to dark brown, while its ventral (under) surface ranges from orange to pink and has a mid-line row of black spots.

Crown Markings

Its namesake "crown" is a pale yellow-brown stripe that starts at the snout and extends backward along both sides of the head.

Crown Distinguishing Features

Unlike the crowns of C. krefftii or C. harriettae, this stripe does not connect at the back of the head, and instead trails down the neck.

Scale Arrangement

At mid-body, the dorsal scales are arranged in 15 rows.

Habitat Affiliation

Like other species in the Cacophis genus, the golden-crowned snake is a forest specialist, especially associated with rainforest.

Preferred Habitats

It prefers deeper forested areas, particularly rainforest located on mountain slopes, but it can also be found in suburban areas near waterways and moist environments that provide ground cover and shelter.

Distribution Range

This species is restricted to eastern Australia, occurring from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, north to Cairns, Queensland.

Reproduction

Cacophis squamulosus is an oviparous species, meaning it lays eggs.