Austrelaps

Austrelaps is a genus of venomous elapid snakes native to the relatively fertile, temperate, southern and eastern part of the Australian continent. Three species are currently recognized, with no subspecies. They are commonly called copperheads or Australian copperheads. They are not closely related to the American copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix.

==Description== There are three species of Australian copperheads: the pygmy copperhead, the highland copperhead, and the lowland copperhead. The pygmy copperhead is long, and lives in South Australia and on Kangaroo Island. The highland copperhead is in length and lives in alpine areas of Victoria and New South Wales. The lowland copperhead reaches in length and lives in southern Victoria into Tasmania. Their colour varies a great deal, from a coppery mid-brown to yellowish, reddish, grey or even black, depending on the individual. The copper head colouring that gave rise to the common name is not always present. Some individuals also have visible markings just behind the head. Perhaps in consequence of their great variation, it was not realised until the second half of the 20th century that there were three different species. Venom toxicity has been measured at 0.5 mg/kg subcutaneous, at least for the lowland copperhead.