HOODED SCALYFOOT Pygopus nigriceps (Fischer, 1882)
Occurring in all parts of Australia except for the wettest parts of southern Australia, this smaller relative of the Common Scalyfoot Pygopus ledidopodus attains 45 to 55 cm. It is readily distinguished by its' hood covering the nape region. Two main colour forms occur, with desert specimens usually a bright orangish colour, whilst near desert and other forms are usually slightly larger and often more dull in colour, generally often being more brownish. (Two species may be represented here).
This species occurs in all types of habitat where it feeds on most types of available insect, small reptile and some plants.
Mainly nocturnal due to the generally hot weather where it occurs, southern specimens are diurnal in the cooler months.

The above was from the book Australian Reptiles and Frogs by Raymond Hoser and now available on a fantastic CD-Rom along with a vast amount of other information, papers and the like on reptiles, frogs and other wildlife.