The Lowland copperhead (Austrelaps superbus) is a venomous snake that lives in southeastern Australia and Tasmania. It is commonly referred to as the copperhead but is not closely related to the American copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix). If provoked, the Lowland copperhead is a dangerous snake with neurotoxic venom, which can kill an adult human if correct first aid is not applied promptly.
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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 ...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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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...
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NatatorialNatatorial animals are those adapted for swimming. Some fish use their pectoral fins as the primary means of locomotion, sometimes termed labriform...
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OvoviviparousOvoviviparity, ovovivipary, ovivipary, or aplacental viviparity is a term used as a "bridging" form of reproduction between egg-laying oviparous an...
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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...
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withThe color of Lowland copperheads varies a great deal, from a coppery mid-brown to yellowish, reddish, grey or black. The copper head coloring that gave rise to the common name is not always present.
Lowland copperheads occur in southeastern Australia, including Tasmania. They prefer areas of low vegetation near water bodies, woodlands, heathland, open scrub, and areas of grass tussocks. These snakes have been found in sandstone ridgetop woodland in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, where they are becoming rare.
Lowland copperheads are terrestrial snakes; they live mainly on the ground but may occasionally climb trees if they need to. They are diurnal at most times of the year but switch to night hunting in hot weather. Copperheads are also very much at home in the water; they swim well and often hunt tadpoles. They are shy by nature, and prefer to escape rather than fight where escape is possible.
The venom of Lowland copperheads contains postsynaptic neurotoxins. There have been a dozen reported bites from this species, with one fatality.
Lowland copperheads are carnivores. They eat frogs, lizards, and snakes, including smaller specimens of their own species.
Little is known about the reproductive habits of Lowland copperheads. In general, female copperheads are ovoviviparous and give birth to about 15 live young, each a little under 20 cm (7.9 in) long.
There are no major threats facing Lowland copperheads at present.
According to the IUCN Red List, the Lowland copperhead is common 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.
