Crossword Genius

Cowardly species of black snake? (6-7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

yellow-bellied

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'cowardly' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for yellow-bellied that I've seen before include "prone to wobbling" , "Cowardly (slang)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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