Simoselaps, or Australian coral snakes, is a genus composed of 12 species of venomous elapid snakes.

Geographic range

Species of the genus Simoselaps are found throughout Australia.

Description

Australian coral snakes are small snakes. They have smooth and polished scales, shovel-shaped snouts, and are brightly marked with bands or annuli.

Habitat and behavior

Species of Simoselaps are found mainly in arid regions. They are burrowing snakes which move beneath the surface through loose sand or soil. At night they come to the surface to feed on small lizards and reptile eggs.

Reproduction

All species of Australian coral snakes are oviparous and lay clutches of three to five eggs.

Species

Several of the above species are sometimes placed in the genera Brachyurophis or Neelaps.