The snakeskin chiton is recongnised by the eight overlapping articulated shell plates on its back and the surface of the girdle in this chiton has a pattern of overlaying scales resembling snakeskin.

They have relatively flexible bodies and can squeeze into narrow crevices – unlike limpets, whose rigid shell prevents entry into such spaces. If detached from rocks, they roll into a ball just as a slater (woodlouse) does

At a glance

Habitat Lives intertidally attached to rocks, especially on sheltered shores They cling to rocks with a muscular grip and move slowly over surfaces at high tide. At low tide the animals mostly retreat to crevices or the undersides of rock
Size Total length up to 6 cm
Origin Native
Distribution South-eastern Australia including Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales
Descriptions
Distribution
South-eastern Australia including Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales
Habitat
Lives intertidally attached to rocks, especially on sheltered shores They cling to rocks with a muscular grip and move slowly over surfaces at high tide. At low tide the animals mostly retreat to crevices or the undersides of rock
Size
Total length up to 6 cm
Common Name Snakeskin Chiton
Aliases No Known Aliases
Origin Native
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Distribution and map

Distribution provided by The Atlas of Living Australia

Classification

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumMollusca
ClassPolyplacophora
SubclassNeoloricata
OrderChitonida
SuborderChitonina
FamilyChitonidae
SubfamilyChitoninae
GenusSypharochiton
SpeciesSypharochiton pelliserpentis
Synonyms

Synonyms

There are no known synonyms for this species
References and dates
Original No original text available
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Added Wed 27 May 2020 @ 00:00 AM
Updated Sat 4 Dec 2021 @ 23:00 PM
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Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into trying to identify and ensure accurate identifications are made, and that the listed Descriptions, Sizes, Habitats and Distribution information is as accurate and valid as possible. Unfortunately, information in this arena is ever changing and as such no guarantee can be offered that it is correct or currently valid — the information is provided as a guide, and it is always suggested that you do a little research to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information. View the references or bibliography. Feedback and comments on the information provided are always welcome.