Drysdalia is a genus of snakes, commonly known as crowned snakes, belonging to the family Elapidae. The three species in this genus are venomous snakes, but not considered deadly.

Geographic range

Species of the genus Drysdalia are endemic to parts of southern and eastern Australia.

Species

Three species are recognized as being valid.

Etymology

The generic name, Drysdalia, is in honour of Australian artist George Russell Drysdale. The specific name, mastersii, is in honour English-born Australian zoologist George Masters.

Taxonomy

The species formerly known as Drysdalia coronata (Schlegel, 1837), commonly known as the crowned snake, was assigned to the genus Elapognathus Boulenger, 1896, by Keogh et al. in 2000. Its current correct scientific name is Elapognathus coronatus (Schlegel, 1837).

Description

Crowned snakes are small snakes, averaging about 50 cm (20 inches) in total length (including tail) but can be as small as 18 cm (7 inches). They are normally brown in colour.

Habitat

Crowned snakes inhabit woodlands, swamps, and heathland.

Diet

Drysdalia feed on frogs and lizards.