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Please call a professional snake catcher for verification of an identification made from the net. Many species can vary in colour and markings.
The typical classification won't be in order as we are doing land snakes only on this page. We are only including the land snakes that are more commonly encountered. For Sea Snake and Introduced Species identification please go to the applicable pages. Like this identification page we are only adding the more commonly encountered Sea snakes and introduced species, not every species or subspecies that has been found in Australia/Australian waters. Click on the pictures for more information.
Most snake bites are unnecessary and are usually caused be someone trying to remove a snake with no prior training. While some of the species are classified as harmless a bite from a larger specimen can cause a great deal of pain. Bites from some species can result in permanent injury or death.
PLEASE CALL A PROFESSIONAL SNAKE CATCHER AND DON'T TRY TO REMOVE ANY SNAKE YOURSELF. IT IS ILLEGAL TO KILL OR HARM NATIVE WILDLIFE, HEAVY FINES APPLY.
Snake or Lizard?
*Lizards will usually have eyelids. Snakes will have a fixed scale covering the eye. (The exception to this are geckos and legless lizards).
*Most lizards (goannas excluded) have a broad, fleshy tongue.
*Lizards will usually have a ear opening. Snakes do not have ears.
*Snakes don’t have legs. Most lizards have limbs.
Lizard - Legless Lizard. Fraser's Delma, Delma fraseri
Snake - Dwyer's Snake, Suta dwyeri
Pythons
Children's Python, Antaresia childreni
Reddish or yellowish brown on the top of the body, often with darker brown blotched markings. White to cream on the underside of the body. Found from north-western Queensland to the Kimberley region of Western Australia. A nocturnal python. They are terrestrial. Reaches up to approximately 100cms in length.
Spotted Python, Antaresia maculosa
Dark or yellowish brown on the top of the body, with darker brown to black blotched markings. White to cream on the underside of the body. Found in eastern Queensland to north east New South Wales. Mostly nocturnal. A terrestrial python. Reaches up to approximately 140cms in length.
Pygmy Python/Anthill Python, Antaresia perthensis
Reddish or occasionally yellowish brown on the top of the body, with darker flecking. White to cream on the underneath. Found in Western Australia from Goldsworthy to Mt Magnet including the Pilbara, Gascoyne and Murchison regions. Nocturnal. A terrestrial python. Reaches up to approximately 80cms in length.
Western Stimson’s Python, Antaresia stimsoni stimsoni
Reddish or occasionally yellowish brown colour on the top of the body, with darker spotting. There is a pale lateral line from neck extending along first third of body. White to cream on the underside of the body. Found in Western Australia from Perth to the Kimberley and east across to Kalgoorlie in the south and Fitzroy Crossing in the north. A nocturnal python. Terrestrial. Reaches up to approximately 100cms in length.
Stimson’s Python, Antaresia stimsoni orientalis
A reddish or occasionally yellowish brown on the top of the body, with darker spotting. There is a pale lateral line from neck extending along first third of body. The body is white to cream underneath. Found from eastern Western Australia across central Australia into South Australia including the northern Flinders Ranges, New South Wales, Northern Territory and across into Queensland to the Einasleigh Uplands and Mt Carbine area. Mostly nocturnal. A terrestrial python. Reaches up to approximately 120cms in length.
ALL ANTARESIA ARE CONSIDERED HARMLESS.
Black Headed Python, Aspidites melanocephalus
A reddish to yellowish brown or white on the top of the body, with dark brown to black cross bands. The head and neck is black. Cream to yellow on the underneath, with orange, brown and black markings. No visible heat sensing pits. Found from Mundubbera, Queensland across northern Australia to Exmouth, Western Australia. A nocturnal python but will bask during the day. Terrestrial. Reaches approximately 300cms in length.
Woma/Sand Python, Aspidites ramsayi
A reddish orange to yellowish brown or grey colour on the top of the body, with light to dark grey bands. On older snakes the colour has often faded with age. The head and neck is yellow to orange. Some have dark marks over the eyes. Orange to yellow underneath with or without dark markings. No visible heat sensing pits. Found in Westmar, Queensland across Australia, through western New South Wales, northern South Australia, south and central Northern Territory to near Broome, Western Australia. Also in Western Australia from Shark Bay to Perth, into the goldfields east of Kalgoorlie. A nocturnal python. Terrestrial. Reaches approximately 220cms in length.
ALL ASPIDITES ARE CONSIDERED HARMLESS
Water Python/Rainbow Serpent, Liasis fuscus
A greenish brown to grey colour on the top of the body. The scales have a strong iridescence sheen to them. The underneath is white beneath the head, yellow to orange under the body and grey under the tail. Their lips are usually peppered grey or black over white. Found from Conway, Queensland, across northern Australia to Broome, Western Australia. Mainly nocturnal but will come out to bask during the day. Terrestrial to semi aquatic. Can reach approximately 220cms in length.
HARMLESS
Olive Python, Liasis olivaceus olivaceus
The top of the body is a pale dark brown, olive colour to grey. The underneath is cream to pale yellow colour. Found across northern Australia from along the Selwyn Range, Queensland across to the Kimberley in Western Australia. Mainly nocturnal, but will come out and bask during the day. A terrestrial and semi-arboreal python.
Can reach up to 400cms in length.
HARMFUL
Centralian Carpet Python/Bredl’s Python, Morelia bredli
The top of the body is a reddish brown to dark brown,often darker on rear third, with white, yellow and black markings. The underneath is a white to cream below with orange brown and black spotting. Found in the Northern Territory around the MacDonnell Ranges across to Hart’s Range. A nocturnal python. Both terrestrial and arboreal. Can reach a length of approximately 300cms.
HARMLESS.
Rough Scaled Python, Morelia carinata
The top of the body is a dark brown or grey with irregular white bands and streaks that form blotches and bands. The underneath is white with brown with peppering towards rear. A very noticeable colour change from day to night -those that are brown during the day become silver at night. The mid body scales are very noticeably keeled. Found in the Kimberley on the Mitchell River Plateau and adjacent areas, also on Bigge Island Western Australia. A nocturnal python..
Can reach a length of approximately 200cms.
HARMLESS
Western Carpet Python, Morelia imbricata
Extremely variable. The top of the body is brown, black, grey or yellow with white to cream or yellow markings that form irregular bands, stripes and blotches. The underneath is white flecks or spots that can be either gray or black. Juveniles are a reddish colour. From Carrarang Station across the south-west corner of Western Australia to Esperance. In South Australia on the western Eyre Peninsula and on the islands of the St Francis group. A nocturnal python, but has often be seen basking during the day. Both terrestrial and arboreal. Can reach a length of approximately 270cms.
HARMLESS
Inland Carpet Python/Murray Darling Carpet Python/MD, Morelia spilota metcalfei
Extremely variable. The top of the body is brown, black, grey or yellow with white, cream, orange, yellow and pale brown markings that form irregular bands, stripes and blotches. The underneath is white with grey or black flecks and spots. The colouration shifts from dark in the south of the range to lighter with less black in the north. Juveniles are a reddish colour. This species can get quite a robust build as they age. Found along the Murray Darling basin, west of the Great Dividing Range From Pyramid Hill Victoria, west on eastern South Australia and through western and central New South Wales to Dajarra in Queensland. A nocturnal python but are often seen basking during the day. Both terrestrial and arboreal. Can reach a length of approximately 220cms.
HARMLESS
Carpet Python, Morelia spilota spilota
Extremely variable. The top of the body is brown, black, grey or yellow with white to cream or yellow markings that form irregular bands, stripes and blotches. Southern animals are black with yellow flecking.The underneath is white with grey or black flecks and spots. The colouration changes from dark in the south of the range to lighter with less black as they occur further north. Juveniles are reddish. Found over much of Australia from Marlo in Victoria to the Kimberley region of Western Australia. A nocturnal python, but is seen often basking during the day. Both terrestrial and arboreal. Can reach a length of approximately 320cms.
CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN
Green Python, Morelia viridis
The top of the body on an adult is bright green usually with a broken white vertebral stripe. Some individuals get a bluish flush.The underneath of the body is yellow or white with green, blue and black markings. Juveniles are yellow with a brown vertebral stripe and brown and white flecks. Tail tip is usually a different colour to the body and used for caudal luring of its food. Found in Queensland on Cape York Peninsula, in the Iron and McIlwraith Ranges., also found in southern New Guinea A nocturnal python but can often be seen out basking during the day. Arboreal. Can reach a length of approximately 150cms.
HARMLESS
Scrub Python/Amethystine Python, Simalia amethistina
The top of the body is brown with yellowish and black markings forming irregular bands and blotches. There is a pearlescent sheen to the scales.The belly is white to cream and has no markings. Found in north east Queensland. A nocturnal python but has been known to bask during the day. Terrestrial but will on occasion climb trees. Can reach approximately 550cms in length.
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS.
Oenpelli Python, Simalia oenpelliensis
The top of the body is a dark brown or grey with irregular white bands and streaks that form blotches and bands. The underneath is white with brown peppering towards the rear. There is a noticeable shift in colour from day to night - brown during the day become silver at night. Found in western Arnhem Land Northern Territory. A nocturnal python. Can reach a length of approximately 500cms.
HARMFUL
Colubrid Snakes
Brown Tree Snake/Night Tiger, Doll’s Eye Snake,
Boiga irregularis
The top of the body is a reddish brown to dark brown above, with darker reticulations. Some specimens are alternatively, reddish orange with contrasting white bands. The underneath is white, yellow or orange. Found across northern and eastern Australia from the Kimberley, Western Australia to Wollongong, New South Wales. A nocturnal snake, but will bask during the day. Arboreal. Can reach a length of approximately 200cms.
HARMFUL
Common Tree Snake/Green Tree Snake/Yellow Bellied Black Snake/Common Bronzeback,
Dendrelaphis punctulatus
Extremely variable, the colouration depends on the location of the snake - ranges from golden yellow with grey or white head, golden brown with darker head, Black with lighter underside, blue to blue grey or green with a yellow flush to the head. Along the midbody scales of most pale white to pale blue, only visible when the snake feels threatened. The underneath ranges from whitish, blue, green, black or yellow. Found in eastern New South Wales from Batemans Bay, through eastern Queensland and across the top end of the Northern Territory and Kimberley region of Western Australia. A diurnal, arboreal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 170 cms.
HARMLESS
Australian Slaty Grey Snake, Stegonotus australis
The top of the body is black, dark grey or dark brown and the lower flanks pale grey. The underneath is white to cream. Found across northern Australia from Wadeye Northern Territory across the top end region of the Northern Territory on to Cape York and south to Sarina, Queensland. A nocturnal, terrestrial snake. Has enlarged teeth. Can reach a length of approximately 180cms.
HARMLESS
Water Snakes
Keelback/Fresh-water snake, Tropidonophis mairii
Grey to brown on the top of the body, with darker flecks and spotting. The underneath is white, yellow, orange to greenish with darker spotting. Many of the dorsal scales are keeled giving rise to the name. Found across northern and eastern Australia from the Kimberley, Western Australia to Grafton, New South Wales. Also in Papua New Guinea and parts of Indonesia. A cathemeral, terrestrial snake, found commonly in yards. The enlarged rear teeth inflict deep cuts.
Can reach a length of approximately 90cms.
HARMLESS
Elapids
Common Death Adder, Acanthophis antarcticus
A medium sized snake with a stout body. The coloration will vary greatly - ranging from a light grey through to tan to dark reddish brown, all having darker cross bands. The underneath is usually lighter than the top, with darker flecking. The lips are usually striped white or cream. The tip of the tail which is referred to as the caudal lure is white to yellow but also may be black. Found in southern WA along the southern coast to SA and through of most of New South Wales into north east Queensland. All Death Adders are more active at night, they are skilled at the art of camouflage.
Kimberley Death Adder, Acanthophis cryptamydros
A medium sized snake with a stout body. The coloration will vary from yellowish orange to reddish brown, with slightly lighter bands. The underneath is usually lighter than the top. The lips are usually striped white or cream. The tip of the tail which is referred to as the caudal lure is white to orange but also may be black or grey. Found in the Kimberley region of WA and possibly extending into neighbouring areas of the NT.
Floodplain/Barkley Tableland Death Adder, Acanthophis hawkei
A medium sized snake with a stout body. It is the largest of the Death Adders. The coloration will vary from beige to grey, with slightly darker bands. The underneath is usually lighter than the top, with darker flecking. The lips are usually striped white or cream. The tip of the tail which is referred to as the caudal lure is white to orange but also may be black or grey. From south of Darwin, NT to Longreach, QLD via the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Northern Death Adder, Acanthophis praelongus
A medium sized snake with a stout body. The coloration will vary from yellowish orange to grey, with slightly darker bands. The underneath is usually lighter than the top, with darker flecking. The lips are usually striped white or cream. The tip of the tail which is referred to as the caudal lure is white to orange but also may be black or grey. Restricted to north east QLD from the Torres Strait islands to Whitsunday region.
Desert Death Adder, Acanthophis pyrrhus
A medium sized snake with a stout body. The coloration is usually a reddish orange with yellow cross bands. The underneath is usually white to pale yellow. The lips are usually peppered white or cream. The tip of the tail which is referred to as the caudal lure is white to yellow but also may be black. Found in western and central Australia.
Pilbara Death Adder, Acanthophis wellsei
A medium sized snake with a stout body. The coloration is usually a reddish orange to brown with slightly lighter bands. The underneath is usually lighter than the top with darker flecking. The tip of the tail which is referred to as the caudal lure is cream to orange but also may be grey or black. Found in the Pilbara region and Cape Range area of WA.
ALL DEATH ADDERS ARE DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Pygmy Copperhead, Austrelaps labialis
The top of the body is grey or dark brown and the lips are boldly marked with black or dark grey on white. The underneath colour is cream to yellow with occasional orange flecks. They are a robust snake with scales that have a matt finish. Found in south east South Australia in the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island. A diurnal snake, but crepuscular in hot weather. Can reach a length of approximately 75cms. Photos supplied by Shawn Scott.
Highland Copperhead/Alpine Copperhead, Austrelaps ramsayi
The top of the body is a light brown to charcoal grey, in some specimens there is a thin vertebral stripe. The lips are boldly marked with black or dark grey markings on a white background. The underneath colour is cream to yellow with occasional orange flecks. Copperheads are a robust snake with scales that have a matt finish. Found in south eastern Australia from eastern Victoria, up the eastern seaboard to the Queensland border. The distribution becomes patchier in the north of the range. A diurnal snake, occasionally nocturnal in warm weather. Can reach a length of approximately 130cms.
Lowland Copperhead/Superb Snake, Austrelaps superbus
The top of the body is a light orange-brown to charcoal grey, with a lateral stripe that is invariably present that is usually yellow to copper coloured. This usually extends up onto the nape, giving it the name copperhead. Some specimens also have spots dotted along the body. The lips have dark markings on a white background. These markings do not have a sharp delineation like those of both the pygmy and highland copperheads. The underneath colour is cream to yellow with occasional orange flecks. Copperheads are robust snakes with scales that have a matt finish. From South Australia across Victoria, Tasmania including some offshore islands and into southern New South Wales. A diurnal snake, occasionally nocturnal in warm weather. Can reach a length of approximately 130cms.
ALL COPPERHEADS ARE DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Australian Coral Snake, Brachyurophis australis
The top of the body is reddish brown, pink to orange with narrow darkened cross bands. The bands have cream to yellow centres in the midbody scales. Conspicuous dark nape blotch or band that is wider than following bands. The snout is blunt and upturned. The underneath colour is a creamish white. Found from Mingela Queensland, south through Queensland mainly west of the Great Dividing Range through New South Wales, north-west Victoria across to Port Pirie, South Australia. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 50cms.
HARMFUL
Northern Crowned Snake, Cacophis churchilli
The top of the body is charcoal grey to blackish. Some specimens have yellow longitudinal stripes on the first third of the body. The top of the head is dark while the sides and the rear is stippled with grey, brown and white. There is a yellow or white band across the nape. The underneath colour is grey. Restricted to north east Queensland from Mossman south to Paluma. Also records from the Whitsundays, south to Sarina. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 50cms.
White Crowned Snake, Cacophis harrietae
The top of the body is charcoal grey to blackish. The top of the head is dark, the sides and the rear is stippled with grey, brown and white. There is a wide pale yellow or white band across the nape. The underneath is grey. Found in Queensland from Kirrima south along the coast south of Grafton. Also extends west as far as Glenmorgan. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 55 cms.
Dwarf Crowned Snake, Cacophis krefftii
The top of the body is a charcoal grey to blackish colour. The top of the head is dark while the sides and the rear is stippled with grey, brown and white. There is a yellow, orange or white thin band across the nape. The underneath is yellow - this distinguishes them from the other crowned snakes. Found in Queensland from the Whitsundays south to Gosford, New South Wales. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 35 cms.
Golden Crowned Snake, Cacophis squamulosus
The top of the body is tan to brownish black. The top of the head is dark and the sides and rear are stippled with grey, brown and white. There is an orange to yellowish marking that often extends down from around the head along the forebody. The underneath is orange with black flecks - this character separates them from the other crowned snakes. Found in coastal Queensland from Eungella south to Wollongong, New South Wales. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 75 cms.
ALL CROWN SNAKES ARE CONSIDERED HARMFUL
Carpentaria Snake, Cryptophis boschmai
The top of the body is a blackish brown to tan, usually lighter on the flanks than on the midline. This can form a longitudinal stripe running along the lower flanks. The underneath is white. Found in Queensland from western Cape York Peninsula to the outskirts of Brisbane. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 45 cms.
Small-eyed Snake, Cryptophis nigrescens
The top of the body is grey to jet black, with a black head. The underneath is pink to orange red sometimes with grey flecks. Sometimes misidentified as a Red bellied black snake. Older specimens can develop a condition called macrocephaly where the head enlarges past its normal size. Found from Mossman, Queensland along the Great Dividing Range to Melbourne, Victoria. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 80cms.
BOTH SPEICES ARE CONSIDERED VENOMOUS
Yellow-faced Whip Snake, Demansia psammophis
The top of the body varies from olive, grey, brown, greenish to reddish orange and grey. The head can be be yellow or the same colour as the body. Some populations have black edged mid body scales. North-eastern specimens often have a pair of reddish stripes on the first third, blending into grey towards the rear of the body. The underneath is white to greenish yellow, usually bright yellow under the tail. Characteristic black comma shaped mark over eye and a pale edged brown line that runs between the nostrils bisecting the rostral scale. Found from south-eastern South Australia through north-west Victoria to the New South Wales coast and up the eastern half of Queensland to Mossman. A diurnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 80cms.
Reticulated Whip Snake, Demansia reticulata reticulata
The first half of the body is greenish-grey to yellow. The remaining half of the body and tail is usually brown or grey. The posterior edges of each of the midbody scales is usually edged with black. The eye has white diagonal streak bordered posteriorly with black. The underneath is white to yellow. Found in Western Australia from Shark Bay south through western Western Australia to Myalup and inland to Kellerberrin. A diurnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 100cms. Photo by Shawn Scott.
Collared Whip Snake, Demansia torquata
The top of the body is a brown to bluish grey. The head and nape are grey with pale sides to the head and two thin pale yellow to orange bands. The eye has a dark grey comma shaped mark. The rear of the body gradually becomes lighter, particularly in young specimens. The ventral colour is reddish. Young specimens are brighter in colouration. Found in eastern Queensland from Gladstone and the tip of Cape York Peninsula. A diurnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 70cms.
THESE 3 SPECIES OF WHIP SNAKES ARE VENOMOUS
Lesser Black Whip Snake, Demansia vestigiata
The top of the body is a grey to black colour, with each of the dorsal scales with a darker rear edge, giving the snake a variegated appearance. Some specimens have a yellow forebody. The underneath is grey. Found from Ipswich, up the east coast and across the north coast of Australia. A diurnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 120cms.
DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
De Vis' Banded Snake, Denisonia devisi
The top of the body is a brown to grey colour with dark brown to black broad crossbands. On some populations there are weak bands or blotches. The head is dark brown to grey with white and black barred lips. The underneath is opaline white. Found in from Wallpolla Island in Victoria through western New South Wales and central and western Queensland to Gregory. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 70cms.
VENOMOUS
White-lipped Snake, Drysdalia coronoides
The top of the body is highly variable - from tan to reddish, brown, grey or greenish. Prominent ragged white stripe along the lips usually bordered with dark red, brown or black. The underneath is yellow to orange-red. Found in far south-east South Australia, through Tasmania, southern Victoria and through highland areas in eastern New South Wales. A diurnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 40cms.
VENOMOUS
Mustard-bellied Snake, Drysdalia rhodogaster
The top of the body is a brownish to grey often with fine dark flecking. The head is a dark brown to grey, usually slightly darker than the body. There is a pale cream to orange or pale brown collar on the nape.The labial scales are mottled or barred with pale grey,to black often with a fine black stripe. The underneath is yellow to pink. Found in New South Wales from the central coast region south to the Victoria border east of the Great Dividing Range. A diurnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 50cms.
HARMFUL
Bardick, Echiopsis curta
The top of the body is yellow to dark brown or grey. Some individuals are reddish orange, and some have barring on the lips. The underneath is yellowish to cream. Bardicks have a disjunct distribution across southern Australia with three separate populations. One population occurs in south west Western Australia, one on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia and the last population in western Victoria, south west New South Wales and neighbouring South Australia. Mainly a nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 70cms.
DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Red-naped Snake, Furina diadema
The top of the body is a reddish to dark brown or brownish grey and the edges of the midbody scales are darker, forming a reticulated appearance. Most specimens have an orange to reddish mark enclosed within black nape. The head and nape are black and the supralabials are usually pale. The underneath colour is white. Found in Queensland from Rockhampton south and west covering most of New South Wales, eastern South Australia including the Flinders Ranges to Port Augusta and far north-west Victoria. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 40cms.
Orange-naped Snake/Moon Snake, Furina ornata
The top of the body is a reddish to dark brown, grey or almost black, the edges of midbody scales are darker which form a reticulated appearance. Most specimens have a broad orange to reddish band across the nape. This is indistinct in some older female individuals. Head and nape are black, supralabials are usually pale. The underneath is white. Found across northern and central Australia from north of the goldfields Western Australia across through north-west South Australia, all of the Northern Territory, western and northern Queensland reaching the coast at Bowen. Also occurs on the Torres Strait islands. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 70cms.
BOTH NAPED SNAKES ARE VENOMOUS
Marsh Snake/Black-bellied Swamp Snake/Swamp Snake, Hemiaspis signata
The top of the body is highly variable from all shades of brown, greenish, grey to black. The head can be olive, becoming yellowish lower down towards the ventral surface. Prominent ragged white stripes along the lips and extending behind the eye onto the neck, The underneath is black to grey. Found in northern Queensland in isolated populations centred around Cairns and Eungella. Further south they extend from Gladstone, Queensland along the Great Dividing Range to Nowra, New South Wales. A diurnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 90cms.
VENOMOUS
Pale-headed Snake, Hoplocephalus bitorquatus
The top of the body is silver grey to black. There is a conspicuous white band across the nape on juvenile and young specimens that fades to a pale saddle in old individuals. The face is marked with black spots. The underneath is grey. They have a disjunct distribution with one population in north Queensland and another further south in southern Queensland into New South Wales. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 75cms.
Broad-headed Snake, Hoplocephalus bungaroides
The top of the body is black with yellow to white flecks that form irregular thin cross bands. The underneath is grey. Found in Sydney and surrounding areas of New South Wales. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 90cms.
Stephens' Banded Snake, Hoplocephalus stephensii
The top of the body is a dark grey to black. The bands are more distinct in young and juvenile individuals, and unbanded populations are known, which can resemble Pale Headed Snakes. The face is blotched with black spots, supralabials marked with black and white. The underneath is grey. Found from Maryborough, Queensland to Ourimbah, New South Wales. Two isolated populations occur further north at Eungella and Kroombit Tops in Queensland. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 110cms.
BROAD-HEADED SNAKES ARE DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Tiger Snake, Notechis scutatus
Extremely variable in both colour and pattern. Top of body can be any shade, with or without cross bands. Tiger Snakes can be found in every state in mainland Australia as well as Tasmania. They can also be found on Flinders Island,Chappell Island, Garden Island, Carnac Island, Kangeroo Island, King Island and the Bass Straight. Usually diurnal but may become nocturnal in hot weather and during summer. Can reach a length of approximately 210cms.
Common Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus scutatus)
QLD, NSW, VIC, SA
Kreft's Tiger Snake (Notechic scutatus ater)
SA
Penisula Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus niger)
SA, Kangeroo Island,
Western Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus occidentalis)
WA, Garden Island, Carnac Island
Chappell Island Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus serventyi)
Flinders Island, Chappell Island
ALL TIGER SNAKES ARE DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Inland Taipan/Fierce Snake/Small-scaled Snake/ Western Taipan, Oxyuranus microlepidotus
Variable in colour, usually yellow to chocolate brown with black reticulations. The head is usually glossy black. Inland Taipans go through a seasonal colour change, dark in winter to sandy yellow in summer. The underneath is bright yellow with dark flecks. . Inland Taipans are found in far western Queensland, north-east South Australia, the south west corner of the Northern Territory and into western New South Wales in black soil plains, gibber desert, grassland and savannah. Usually found basking on the edge of cracks in the soil. They are a diurnal snake but can be crepuscular in hot weather. Can reach a length of approximately 200cms.
Coastal Taipan, Oxyuranus scutellatus scutellatus
Extremely variable in colour. The top of the body can be any shade of brown, grey, black or yellow, some individuals have a reddish orange stripe along the spine that widens towards the rear. The head is usually lighter, often cream to white. The underneath is yellow to orange with or without red flecking. Found from the Queensland/New South Wales border region across the northern coastline into the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Usually diurnal but becomes nocturnal during warm weather. Can reach a length of approximately 240cms.
TAIPANAS ARE DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Mulga Snake/King Brown Snake, Pseudechis australis
Extremely variable in colour, from black to pale yellow to reddish purple. Southern populations are darker than northern populations. Some specimens have a variegated appearance, with the anterior edge of the scale lighter than the rear. The underneath is yellow to cream without orange flecking. In some specimens the underside of the tail is pale orange. Found all over Australia’s drier regions throughout almost all of Western Australia, all of the Northern Territory, most of South Australia, western New South Wales and Queensland west of the Great Dividing Range. Diurnal to nocturnal, depending on the temperature. Can reach a length of approximately 200cms.
Spotted Mulga Snake, Pseudechis butleri
Also known as Butler's Snake. They range from black to dark brown with cream to yellow spots. Juvenile Spotted Mulga Snakes are grey with a shiny black head. The underneath colour is yellow, the ventral scales may have black spots and black edges. Spotted Mulga Snakes are found in the goldfields region of southern inland Western Australia in Mulga and acacia woodland, mallee and agricultural land. They are a diurnal snake but can be nocturnal depending on the temperature.
Can reach a length of approximately 175cms.
Collett's Snake, Pseudechis colletti
Collett's Snakes range in colour from pale brown to black with yellow, orange and pink crossbands and spotting. The underneath colour is orange with or without dark brown to black flecking. Juveniles are much brighter in colour with orange and jet black crossbands. They are found in central western Queensland on blacksoil plains and grassland. Collett's Snakes are diurnal to nocturnal depending on the temperature. They can reach a length of approximately 200 cms.
Spotted Black Snake/Blue Belly, Pseudechis guttatus
Extremely variable in colour, from jet black to grey and occasionally pale brown. Some specimens are flecked with yellow, red, orange or cream. The underneath is grey to yellowish with darker flecking. Found in New South Wales and Queensland, almost exclusively west of the Great Dividing Range. They are diurnal to nocturnal depending on the temperature, Can reach a length of approximately 180cms.
Red-bellied Black Snake/Common Black Snake, Pseudechis porphyriacus
The upper body is jet black with orange, red or maroon markings along the lower flanks. Some specimens are marked with white. The head, in particular around the snout, can be brown in some locations. The belly is red and marked with black bands. Beneath the tail is black. Found along the east coast from the Adelaide hills to around Cooktown in north Queensland. A diurnal snake, occasionally nocturnal during hot weather. Can reach a length of approximately 200cms.
Western Pygmy Mulga, Pseudechis weigeli
The Western Pygmy Mulga ia a pale yellow to golden brown or grey and has magenta markings on the nape. These darker reticulations sometimes extend all the way down the body. The reticulations are usually more prominent in the western population. The underneath colour is yellow to cream. They are found in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and the top end of the Northern Territory and in the Pilbara region of Western Australia in dry woodlands, grassland, rocky gorges and hillsides. They can reach a length of approximately 120cms.
BLACK SNAKES ARE DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Dugite, Pseudonaja affinis affinis
Also known as the Spotted Brown Snake. Dugites are extremely variable in appearance, from pale cream in colour to almost black. They are usually a shade of brown with random dark spots that sometimes coalesce into blotches. The head can be darker or lighter than the body. Young specimens have a black head and black band on the nape. The underneath colour is yellow to cream to light brown with orange-red spots and blotches. Dugites are found in southern Western Australia across the southern coast to the western edge of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia in open woodlands, coastal dune associations, heathland, grasslands and urban areas. Dugites are usually a diurnal snake but can be active at night during hot weather. They can reach a length of approximately 200cms.
Shield-snouted Brown Snake, Pseudonaja aspidoryncha
They are extremely variable, from a pale cream in colour to dark brown. These snakes are usually a shade of brown with or without dark bands. There is almost always a black speck on the nape. Young specimens have a black head and black band on the nape. The underneath colour is yellow with orange red spots and blotches. They are found in inland eastern Australia including eastern South Australia, north west Victoria, western New South Wales and southern west Queensland in open woodlands, brigalow, mallee, desert and around agricultural areas. Diurnal to nocturnal depending on the temperature. They can reach a length of approximately 175cm.
Speckled Brown Snake, Pseudonaja guttata
Speckled Brown Snakes are extremely variable in colour but these snakes are usually a shade of brown, yellow cream or orange with or without dark bands; many specimens are flecked with black. Young specimens have a black head and black band on the nape. The underneath colour is yellow with orange-red spots and blotches. They are found in inland northern Queensland, north-east South Australia and the Northern Territory in grasslands and black soil plains. They are a diurnal snake, occasionally crepuscular in hot weather. Can reach approximately 120cms
Ingram's Brown Snake, Pseudonaja ingrami
This snake is extremely variable in colour. Ranging in colour from pale yellow, orange, reddish-brown or dark brown to black. The young specimens have dark head markings. The underneath is yellow with orange red spots that are arranged in straight lines down the body. They are found in inland northern Queensland and the Northern Territory in grasslands and black soil plains. A diurnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 200cms.
Western Brown Snake, Pseudonaja mengdeni
Western Brown Snakes are extremely variable ranging from pale cream to dark brown. There are many various colour morphs, including banded specimens, snakes marked with a herringbone pattern and bright orange snakes with a jet black head and neck. Young snakes can have a black head and black band on the nape, while others are completely banded. The underneath colour is yellow to creamish with orange red spots and blotches. Western Brown Snakes are found over much of arid and west Australia, including South Australia, western New South Wales, south west Queensland, arid regions of the Northern Territory and most of Western Australia including the Kimberley region. They can be found in open woodlands, mallee, grasslands, desert and around agricultural areas. Diurnal but can also be nocturnal. Lives in open woodlands, mallee, grasslands, desert and around agricultural areas. Western Brown Snakes can reach a length of approximately 140cms.
THE ABOVE BROWN SNAKES ARE DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Ringed Brown Snake, Pseudonaja modesta
Also known as the Five-ringed Snake. From grey to reddish brown. Ringed Brown Snakes have 4 to 11 black crossbands, which fade to obscurity with age. The belly colour is yellow with orange red spots and blotches. Ringed Brown Snakes are found in arid central Australia to the western West Australian coastline living in open woodlands, mallee, grasslands, desert and around agricultural areas. Ringed Brown Snakes can reach a length of approximately 60cms.
VENOMOUS
Northern Brown Snake, Pseudonaja nuchalis
Northern Brown Snakes are extremely variable in colour. Ranging from pale brown to gold or dark brown. Some have dark bands while others have a dark nape band. There is usually a black speck or mark on the nape. Young snakes have a black head and black band on the nape, and are sometimes completely banded. The underneath colour is yellow with orange red spots and blotches. Northern Brown Snakes are found across northern Australia, west of the Great Dividing Range into the Kimberleys of Western Australia in tropical savannah, grasslands, rocky outcrops and desert. A diurnal snake, they can be nocturnal depending on the temperature. Northern Brown Snakes can reach a length of approximately 140cms.
Eastern Brown Snake/Common Brown Snake,
Pseudonaja textilis
Eastern Brown Snakes are extremely variable in colour, ranging from pale cream to black. These snakes are usually a shade of brown with or without dark bands. Young snakes have a black head and black band on the nape, and some specimens are completely banded. The underneath colour is yellow to cream with orange-red spots and blotches, sometimes they are marked with grey. Eastern Brown Snakes are found in eastern Australia over all of New South Wales, most of Victoria and Queensland and south eastern South Australia. There are also isolated populations in the Northern Territory around Alice Springs and the Victoria River district Western Australia. Eastern Brown Snakes are found in woodlands, brigalow, mallee, grasslands, desert and around agricultural areas. They are a diurnal snake, but will come out in the evening on extremely hot night. Can reach a length of approximately 200cms.
EASTERN & NORTHERN BROWN SNAKES ARE DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Desert Burrowing Snake, Simoselaps anomalus
The top of the body is yellow with regular thin, dark brown to black straight-edged crossbands. The head and neck background colouration is white. The underneath a is creamish white colour. Desert Burrowing Snakes are found in central Australia including north-west South Australia and the south-western half of the Norther Territory through inland Western Australia reaching the coast between Exmouth and Derby on sandy soils. A nocturnal snake. Desert Burrowing Snakes can reach a length of approximately 41cms. Photos courtesy of Shane Black.
HARMFUL
Dwyer's Snake, Suta dwyeri
The top of the body is brown to greyish in colour. The head is black on top, without a black stripe running along the spine. The underneath is white to cream. Northern animals are lighter bodied than their southern counterparts. Found in southern Queensland from Longreach across to Rockhampton south through inland New South Wales west of the Great Dividing Range into northern Victoria. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 40cms.
HARMFUL
Rosen's Snake, Suta fasciata
The top of the body on a Rosen's Snake is a reddish brown to orange or cream colour with maroon,brown or grey irregular markings and spotting. The underneath colour is creamish white. Rosen's Snakes are found in western and central Western Australia from Karratha to Kalgoorlie on heavy clay and sandy soils in mulga, rocky gorges, open woodlands and deserts. A nocturnal snake. Rosen's Snakes can reach a length of approximately 45cms.
VENOMOUS
Little Whip Snake, Suta flagellum
The top of the body is brown to greyish in colour. The head is black on top, with a pale bar between the nostril and eyes. The underneath is white to cream in colour. Found from eastern South Australia throughout Victoria into southern New South Wales. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 40cms.
VENOMOUS
Little Spotted Snake, Suta punctata
The top of body on a Little Spotted Snake ranges from yellow-brown, orange to dark brown. The head, nape and forebody has a series of dark spots and blotches that generally fade as the snake reaches maturity. There is usually a dark brown stripe running along the lower flanks. Some specimens have dark edges to the posterior of the scales giving a reticulated appearance. The underneath colour is white to cream. Little Spotted Snakes are found in Western Australia north of Quobba, through most of the Northern Territory to north west Queensland in open woodland, gorges and escarpments, mulga and deserts. A nocturnal snake. Little Spotted Snakes can reach a length of approximately 60cms.
VENOMOUS
Mitchell's Short-tailed Snake/Black-backed Snake, Suta nigriceps
The top of the body is brown to greyish in colour. The head is black on top, with a black stripe running along the spine. The stripe sometimes coalesces into the the lighter flanks. The underneath is white to cream. Found in southern inland New South Wales and northern Victoria through the Flinders Ranges and the northern Eyre Peninsula. Also occurs in Western Australia from the southern edge of the Nullarbor Plain across to Cervantes and south to Albany. A nocturnal snake. Can reach a length of approximately 60cms.
HARMFUL
Curl Snake, Suta suta
Also known as a Myall Snake. The top of body on a Curl Snake is yellow-brown to dark brown or grey. Some specimens have dark edges to the posterior of the scales giving a reticulated appearance. The head is usually darker than the rest of the body, however this fades with maturity. Some specimens have light barring on the lips and a broken yellow stripe along the side of the head. They have a dark lateral head streak from the nostril to the temporal region. The underneath colour is white to cream. Curl Snakes are found over most of arid Queensland, New South Wales, northern Victoria, most of South Australia and the Northern Territory. An isolated population also occurs near Lake Argyle in Western Australia. Curl Snakes are found in dry forests, mallee, heath and deserts. A nocturnal snake. Curl Snakes can reach a length of approximately 60cms.
DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Rough-scaled Snake, Tropidechis carinatus
Also known as the Clarence River Snake. The top of the body on a Rough-scaled Snake is brown to grey in colour, occasionally with a greenish wash. Some individuals are flecked with black. Northern animals can be completely banded. The underneath colour is yellowish green. Rough-scaled Snakes occur in two populations. The southern population occurs from Gosford, New South Wales to Fraser Island in Queensland in closed forests, wallum swamps, and wetlands. The northern population occurs in the wet tropics region of north Queensland in closed forests, wallum swamps, and wetlands. A nocturnal snake. Rough-scaled Snakes can reach a length of approximately 90cms.
DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS
Bandy-bandy, Vermicella annulata
The top and underside of the body is a series of alternating black and white rings. The white ring count for each of the species, when used with distribution separates them from other Bandy bandys. Band-bandys are found in eastern Australia from Cape York, Queensland south to northern Victoria and west to Port Augusta, South Australia in forests, open woodland, mallee, brigalow, mulga and rocky areas in arid zones. A nocturnal snake. There is an unusual many banded population around Townsville that has a higher white band count. They have an ingenious defensive strategy of raising parts of their body forming loops, which along with thrashing is employed to deter predators. Bandy-bandy's can reach a length of approximately 70cms in length.
HARMFUL
