Ecology of the Australian elapid snake Tropidechis carinatus

Tropidechis carinatus is a medium-sized, highly venomous snake found along the E coast of Australia. Adult males and females attain similar body lengths. The diet is diverse, with mammals and frogs being major prey items. Female reproduction is seasonal, with ovulation in spring and parturition in late summer. Adult females may reproduce only in alternate years, or less often. Fecundity is low, with litters ranging from 5-28. T. carinatus is more arboreal than any other Australian elapid except for Hoplocephalus. Many similarities between Tropidechis and Notechis (tigersnakes) suggest a close phylogenetic relationship between these genera.