Common Names
Description
Adults grow to an average length of about 90 cm, with a maximum of 1.1 m. The crown scales are enlarged while those on the body are small and smooth, with a rainbow sheen that can be seen when exposed to direct sunlight.
Range
Found in Australia in the extreme north of Western Australia, the northern third of Northern Territory, and northeastern Queensland. Also on the islands of the Torres Strait. It occurs specifically in the region spanning along the coast between the Kimberleys in Western Australia to Mt. Isa in northwestern Queensland.
Feeding
The diet consists of reptiles, birds and small mammals, particularly microbats. The snakes catch the bats by dangling from stalactites in caves, which they commonly inhabit, and snatch them out of the air as they fly past.
Reproduction
Oviparous, with up to 25 eggs per clutch. Female brood their eggs through a seven week incubation period by coiling around them and occasionally shivering to keep them warm, which also affords the eggs some protection from predators. Juveniles are heavily blotched, but gradually become reddish brown or brown as they mature.
Captivity
Often kept as a pet due to its good nature and less demanding requirements. The lifespan of captive specimens has been kinown to exceed 30 years. Juvenile are fed on pinky mice (baby, hairless mice), while larger individuals can be fed on adult mice or small rats.
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