About Austrelaps ramsayi (Krefft, 1864)
Austrelaps ramsayi has an average total length of 130 cm (51 inches), including the tail. Its body color is variable: the upper surface can range from pale to dark grey, through reddish-brown or chocolate brown, to almost black, and always has a low gloss or matt sheen. Noticeably enlarged lateral scales may be cream, yellow, or reddish-brown, with yellow paraventral scales typically bordered above by reddish-brown. The supralabial (upper lip) scales are strongly barred; the pale, triangular lower front corner of each labial scale contrasts sharply with the dark brown remainder of the scale. The belly ranges from cream to pale yellow, and is sometimes leaden-colored.
This species, commonly called the highlands copperhead, inhabits Alpine regions of eastern Australia, and is common in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, including Mittagong, Bowral, and Moss Vale. It can be found in montane heath, woodland, sclerophyll forests, along water bodies, and in swampy areas with thick clumps of tussock grass.
Austrelaps ramsayi is ovoviviparous: females give birth to live young, with embryos developing inside eggs that are retained inside the mother’s body. Brood sizes range from 9 to 31 offspring per litter. This reproductive strategy gives extra protection to developing young until they are ready to be born.
