Small-eyed Snake
Cryptophis nigrescens

Length:

to 1.0m

Identification:

glossy dark grey to black; belly commonly pinkish with a line of dark grey spots, but occasionally cream with grey blotches.

Scale Counts:

midbody scale rows 15; ventrals 165-210; anal single; subcaudals single 30-45.

Habitat:

rainforests, wet and dry eucalypt forests and heaths, agricultural and grazing lands.

Distribution:

eastern Australia, from southern Cape York Peninsula, Qld to Vic.

Status:

Common

Habits:

active at night.

Breeding:

live-bearer (2-4); average snout-vent length of new borns 15cm.

Main Prey:

small skinks, dragons, snakes and occasionally frogs.

Venom:

strongly myotoxic.

Notes:

potentially dangerous; apply first aid and seek urgent medical attention for all suspected bites; responsible for one human fatality.

Similar Species:

Red-bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus), which is more robust and has larger head and eyes, and obvious red on lower flanks.