Simoselaps

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.