78 NOTES ON THE SNAKES OF TASMANIA, 



Vernacular synonymy : — Superb = Copper-headed = Large- 

 scaled = "Diamond Snake." 



Habitat : — Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales. 



Descrvption: — Central scale on head about twice as 

 long as broad, sides concave. Scales in rows of 15-17. 

 Abdominal plateii 150-160. One anal plate. SuVcaudals 

 in one series, approiximately 50. Average length from 

 3ft. Gin. to 5ft. Head pointed. Y-shaped copper colour- 

 ed markings at back of head. Colour of body variable. 



The Superb or Copper-headed Snake is not nearly so 

 common in Tasmania as the Tiger Snake {N . scutatus). It 

 is usually referred to as the "Diamond Snake," but this 

 should not be so, as the true Diamond Snake (Python 

 variegatus var. spilotes) is a python and a variety of the 

 true Carpet Snake, and does not occur in Tasmania. D. 

 superba is also referred to as the Large-scaled Snake. This 

 species is known on the mainland as the Copper-headed 

 or Superb Snake. I consider the latter designation the 

 more preferable for several reasons. It more closely ap- 

 proaches the scientific designation, and its use would elimi- 

 nate considerable confusion. If all the specimens met 

 with conformed to the type, in which the copper-coloured 

 markings are most distinct, it might be a different matter. 

 However, as with all thei Tasmanian sna,kes, there is a 

 great diversity of colour. While this species usually 

 frequents swampy country, it is also found in more open 

 coiuntry. During the Tasmanian Field Naturalists' Club's 

 excursion to Port Arthur during Easter, 1918, I secured 

 a specimen of this species on the rocks at the summit of 

 Brown Mountain. 



Denisonia eoronoides. 



White-lipped Whip Snake. 

 Denisonia eoronoides, Boulanger, Cat. Sn. Brit, Mus. Vol. 

 IIL p. 336 (1896); 

 Waifce, Aust. Snakes, p. 55 (1S98> 

 Smith, Nat. Tas. p. 89 (1909); 

 Lucas and Le Souef, An. Aust. p. 177 



(1909); 

 Brit. Assoon. Ad. Sc. Tas. Hbk. p'. 

 89 (1914). 

 HoplocepliaUis eoronoides, Glinther, Cat. Sn. Brit. Mus. 



p. 215 (1858); 

 Krefft, Sn. Aust. p. 62 (1869); 

 McCoy, Prod. Zoo. Vict Vol. 

 L p. 8 (1878). 

 Habitat: — Tasmania, Victoria. 



