Bardick
Echiopsis curta
A stout, short-tailed elapid of southern Australia's heath and mallee, notable for its viper-like ambush hunting style.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.6 m (16-24 in)
- Range
- Southern Australia (Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria)
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Overview
The bardick is a stout-bodied elapid found across the mallee and heathland of southern Australia. Unlike many fast-moving Australian elapids, it is a sluggish ambush predator, more reminiscent of a viper in body shape and hunting strategy.
It is generally reluctant to bite and relies on camouflage, remaining still when approached.
How to identify it
- Stout, heavy-bodied snake with a short tail
- Grey to reddish-brown dorsal coloration, sometimes with faint darker blotching
- Broad head distinct from the neck
- Rough-textured, keeled-appearing scales in some populations
- Stocky build and short tail distinguish it from more slender Australian elapids
Habitat & range
Found in mallee scrub, heathland, and coastal shrubland across southern Western Australia, South Australia, and western Victoria, sheltering under leaf litter, logs, and low vegetation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal to crepuscular, though it may bask by day. An ambush predator that lies in wait for prey such as small mammals, lizards, and frogs rather than actively foraging. Generally slow-moving and not aggressive. Gives birth to live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the bardick dangerous?
It is venomous but generally reluctant to bite, relying on camouflage instead.
How does the bardick hunt?
By ambush, lying in wait for passing prey rather than actively pursuing it.
Where is the bardick found?
Mallee and heathland habitats of southern Australia.
Does the bardick lay eggs?
No, it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
Bardick guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Bardick.
