About Notechis scutatus (Peters, 1861)
Genus Classification & Range
Notechis is a genus of large venomous snakes in the Elapidae family, found only in the subtropical and temperate regions of Australia.
Population Characteristics
Tiger snakes form a large group of distinct populations that may be isolated from or overlapping with each other, and they show extreme variation in size and color. Individual tiger snakes also display seasonal color variation.
Typical Length
Their total typical length is around 1.2 metres (3 ft 11 in).
Body Pattern
Their pattern consists of darker bands, which can be strongly contrasting or indistinct, and range in color from pale to very dark.
Overall Coloration
Their overall body color can be olive, yellow, orange-brown, or jet black, and their underside is light yellow or orange.
Venom and Bite Risk
Tiger snakes use venom to kill their prey, and may also bite when confronted by an aggressor; their bites are potentially fatal to humans.
Temperature Tolerance and Activity
They tolerate low temperatures well, and can be active on warmer nights.
Threat Response Behavior
When threatened, they flatten their bodies and lift their heads above the ground, taking the classic prestrike stance.
Preferred Habitats
Tiger snakes are usually found in coastal regions, where they prefer wetlands, creeks, dams, and other habitats along watercourses, or shelter near permanent water sources in pastoral areas.
Population Density Factors
Habitats with abundant prey can support large tiger snake populations.
Geographic Distribution
Their distribution extends from southern Western Australia through South Australia and Tasmania, northwards through Victoria to New South Wales. Their most common habitats are Australia's coastal areas.
Reproduction Litter Size
Tiger snakes give birth to 20 to 30 live young; one exceptional record documents a female from eastern Australia giving birth to 64 young.
Mating and Birthing Seasons
They typically mate in spring, the warmer season, and give birth to their live young in summer.
