Description
A medium-sized slender snake. Usually brown with one to three black scales on the nape, behind a paler head. However, this species is highly variable with some individuals displaying extensive banding along the entire body, especially as juveniles. In the Top End a form also exists that is grey to brown with a glossy black head. Males to 127 cm; females to 103.5 cm.
This species is uncommon within its preferred habitat. Often seen crossing roads during the day or night, it is most commonly seen after rain showers in the area. During the day it hides underneath rocks or logs and also buries deep into leaf litter. Is a predator of mammals, birds, frogs and reptiles, including other snakes. Can lay up to 16 eggs. As this species is dangerously venomous, care should be taken if encountered.
Author credit: Dane Trembath / Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Other Names
Gwardar
Habitat
Open grass and woodlands.
Food
Carnivore
Range
Northern Australia.
Credits:
Map is from Atlas of Living Australia website at https://biocache.ala.org.au licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Species Description is from Museums Field Guide, Atlas of Living Australia at website at https://lists.ala.org.au Licensed under Creative Commons Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Classification
| Class: | Reptilia | | Order: | Squamata (Serpentes) | | Family: | Elapidae | | Genus: | Pseudonaja | | Species: | nuchalis | | Common Name: | Western Brown snake |
Relatives in same Genus
Dugite (P. affinis)
Eastern Brown Snake (P. textilis)
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