Cacophis is a genus of venomous snakes, commonly known as crowned snakes, in the family Elapidae. The genus is endemic to Australia.
Description All species of Cacophis have a distinct "crown" pattern on the head, which gives them their common names. They are venomous, but not dangerous to people.
Species The following four species are recognized as being valid. Cacophis churchilli – northern dwarf crowned snake – northeastern Queensland Cacophis harriettae – white-crowned snake – eastern Queensland, northeastern New South Wales Cacophis krefftii – dwarf crowned snake – southeastern Queensland, eastern New South Wales Cacophis squamulosus – golden-crowned snake – eastern Queensland, eastern New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory
Nota bene: In the above list, a binomial authority in parentheses indicate that the species was originally described in a genus other than Cacophis.
Distribution and habitat Species of Cacophis are distributed along eastern Australia. They inhabit a variety of forest types, from woodland to rainforest.
Behaviour Cacophis species are generally nocturnal and feed on lizards and reptile eggs.
References
Further reading Cogger HG (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Seventh Edition. Clayton, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. xxx + 1,033 pp. . Günther A (1863). "Third Account of new Species of Snakes in the Collection of the British Museum". Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., Third Series 12: 348-365 + Plates V & VI. (Cacophis, new genus, p. 361). Swan, Gerry (1995). A Photographic Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Australia. Sydney: New Holland. 144 pp. . Wilson, Steve; Swan, Gerry (2013). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, Fourth Edition. Sydney: New Holland Publishers. 522 pp. .