Hoplocephalus (Latin
= amoured head)
(Broad-, Pale-headed and Stephen's banded snakes)
Hoplocephalus bungaroides (Broad-headed snake)
The genus Hoplocephalus comprises three species: H. bungaroides (Broad-headed snake), H. bitorquatus (Pale-headed snake), and H. stephensi (Stephen's banded snake). All three species of Hoplocephalus are characterised by smooth dorsal scales in 19-21 rows mid-body, ventral scales keeled or notched and greater than 190, frontal shield noticeably longer than broad, internasals present, no suboculars, anal single, subcaudals single, two or three solid maxillary teeth following the fang. Despite the shy nature of these snakes, when cornered these snakes will strike quickly with little warning if any.
Bites by members of this genera can produce profound symptoms in a very short period of time. Initial symptoms Initial symptoms are shortness of breath an dizziness. The venom contains powerful procoagulants and central to the clinical picture is hemorrhage and DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation).
Subdermal bleeding at IV site following a bite by Hoplocephalus stephensi
Bites are treated using tiger snake antivenom.
Species
| Scientific name | Common name | Translation of scientific name |
| Hoplocephalus bitorquatus | Pale-headed snake | double-necklaced amoured-head |
| Hoplocephalus bungaroides | Broad-headed snake | Bungarus(krait)-like amoured-head |
| Hoplocephalus stephensi | Stephen's banded snake | Stephen's amoured-head, after W. J. Stephens, a past trustee of the Australian Museum |
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