Grey Snake

H. damelii is a relatively small snake with an average snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 50 centimetres (20 inches). Minor size differences occur between sexes, with the males averaging a slightly larger size than females. It is olive to grey dorsally, and white to yellowish white ventrally, often flecked with dark grey. In some grey snakes, each scale may be tipped with black anteriorly, particularly on the flanks. It has smooth dorsal scales which are in 17 rows at mid-body, 140-170 ventral scales, and 35-50 subcaudals which are single (undivided). This species also has a paired (divided) anal scale. Juvenile grey snakes have a distinctive black head which fades or sometimes completely disappears as the snake matures, occurring from the top of the head to the second scale row behind the parietals.

The distribution and ecology of H. damelii is poorly known. Existing records of the grey snake are most commonly found in south-eastern Queensland and north-central New South Wales, however small populations have also been found to occur in north-eastern South Australia and south-western New South Wales. It tends to favour dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands on clay soils where water bodies or gullies are present. It shelters under rocks, logs and other debris, as well as in cracks in soil.

The breeding period for H. damelii occurs from January to March. During Spring (September-October) adult females' ovarian follicles increase in size following ovulation in preparation of the breeding season. H. damelii has a relatively high fecundity, partly due to its large maternal snout-vent length (SVL), which has been found to significantly correlate with litter size. Litter size can range from 4-16 live young which are born fully formed (viviparous). The newborns take an average of 12 months to mature after birth.