Other Australian Venomous Snakes

Stephen's banded snake (Hoplocephalus stephensi)

Stephen's banded snake

Stephen's banded snake (Hoplocephalus stephensi)
(Photo G.F.Gow)

About

The usual coloration is light brown or yellow, with dark bands along the body and dark spots on the head, although longitudinal bands or unbanded forms may also be seen.  Average length is approximately 0.6m, maximum 1.0m. It is often found in trees or under bark, and feeds on birds, lizards and small mammals. The young are born alive.

This snake has been described as aggressive in response to provocation, and, as with all snakes, care should be taken.

Distribution

This snake is limited to a small area of the coast of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Venom

The venom contains procoagulants and neurotoxins.  Serious illnesses and possibly deaths have been associated with envenomation by this species. Tiger snake antivenom is recommended for treatment of envenomations by Stephen's banded snake.

Broad headed snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides)

broad-headed snake

Broad headed snake
(Photo G.F.Gow)

About

This snake is active at night, when it hunts for lizards, mice frogs and birds.  The usual habitat is dry and rocky. The head is broad, like that of a python, and it may be confused with the diamond python, which it somewhat resembles.  It is usually black with narrow bands of yellow.  The head is also marked with yellow.  Litters of 8 to 20 are born live. This snake may become agitated when disturbed, and strike rapidly.

Distribution

This snake is found in a small area around the outskirts of Sydney and the neighbouring mountains.

Venom

The venom contains neurotoxin and may cause serious illness.  No fatalities have been ascribed to this snake.  Tiger snake antivenom may be used to treat envenomation.

Pale headed snake (Hoplocephalus bitorquatus)

pale-headed snake

Pale-headed snake (Hoplocephalus bitoquatus)
(Photo G.F.Gow)

About

The pale headed snake  hunts at night for small reptiles and usually lives under tree bark. 
The coloration is mostly light grey or brown, with the broad head spotted with black.  Average length is 0.5m, maximum 0.9m.  It is described as nervous, and will strike if threatened.

Distribution

Distributed over a large area of coastal southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, and westwards to Dubbo and the Atherton tablelands.

Venom

The venom is neurotoxic, although there is little clinical information on its effects in humans.  Tiger snake antivenom is recommended if envenomation occurs.

Small eyed snake (Cryptophis nigrescens)

small eyed snake

Small eyed snake (Cryptophis nigrescens)
(Photo G.F.Gow)

About

Also called the eastern small eyed snake.  This snake lives in wooded areas, where is hunts small reptiles or frogs at night. 
The body is slender and usually black or greyish brown.  The average length is around 0.5m, with a maximum of 1.2m.  Small litters of 2 to 5 young are live born.

Distribution

Widely distributes along the east coast of Australia, from Victoria to Cape York.

Venom

Little is known of the toxicity of this snake's venom, although illnesses have occurred, usually in snake handlers, and one fatality has been associated with a bite from this species. Myotoxicity is a feature of envenomation.  The venom is neu