The dugite (Pseudonaja affinis ) is a species of venomous, potentially lethal, snake native to Western Australia, a member of the family Elapidae. The word 'dugite' is an anglicisation of names for the snake in some dialects of the Nyungar language, including dukayj and dukitj. However, another, probably cognate name, dobitj, has become the common name for dugites in Nyungar. (This can cause confusion, because dobitj is also used in some dialects to refer to other kinds of venomous snakes.)
Di
DiurnalDiurnal animals are active during the daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night. The timing of activity by an animal depends ...
Ca
CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
Te
TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
Pr
PredatorPredators are animals that kill and eat other organisms, their prey. Predators may actively search for or pursue prey or wait for it, often conceal...
Pr
PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
Bu
BurrowingA burrow is a hole or tunnel excavated into the ground by an animal to create a space suitable for habitation, temporary refuge, or as a byproduct ...
Ov
OviparousOviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
Ve
VenomousVenom is a type of poison, especially one secreted by an animal. It is delivered in a bite, sting, or similar action. Venom has evolved in terrestr...
Da
DangerousDangerous animals demonstrate aggression and a propensity to attack or harass people or other animals without provocation.
So
SolitaryHi
HibernatingHibernation is a state of minimal activity and metabolic depression undergone by some animal species. Hibernation is a seasonal heterothermy charac...
D
starts withDa
Dangerous AnimalsDugite is colored grey, green, or brown. The colors vary widely between individuals and are an unreliable means of identifying the species. Black scales are relatively large with a semi-glossy appearance and can be scattered over the body. The most distinguishing characteristic of this snake is the head which can be rather small and indistinct from the neck.
Dugites are found in southern parts of Western Australia and in remote coastal parts of western South Australia. They live in a wide variety of habitats ranging from coastal dunes and heathlands to shrublands and woodlands. They also thrive in heavily degraded habitats such as golf courses, industrial areas, and open agricultural farmlands.
Dugites are solitary and diurnal. On hot days, they are mainly active in the morning, and to a lesser extent in the afternoon. Dugites usually shelter beneath logs, rocks, and abandoned termite mounds. They also burrow during the winter. These snakes hunt by actively searching for prey which they then kill using both venom and constriction. When disturbed, dugites are typically very shy and often slither away, but they won't hesitate to defend themselves if cornered. They generally avoid biting humans, but risks of encounters increase when they are most active during the mating season through October and November.
The venom of Dugite is potentially one of the most lethal in the world, causing coagulopathic and procoagulant effects. Dugites generally avoid biting humans, but risks of encounters increase when they are most active during the mating season through October and November.
Dugites are carnivores and consume lizards, frogs, snakes, small birds, and mammals. However, the two largest groups of prey are lizards and house mice.
The breeding season of dugites normally occurs between early September and late November. They are egg-laying (oviparous) snakes, and typically deposit around 30 eggs and abandon them to self-incubate. The eggs hatch after about 65 days. Under optimal environmental conditions, dugites have been known to lay two clutches during the same season.
Dugites don't face any major threats at present.
According to IUCN, the dugite is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
