Pale-headed Snake
Hoplocephalus bitorquatus

Length:

to 0.75m

Identification:

head distinctly marked with black blotches and a prominent pale grey band on nape, followed by black neck band; lips strongly barred; back and belly grey.

Scale Counts:

midbody scale rows 21; ventrals 190-225, anal single; subcaudals single 40-65.

Habitat:

wet and dry eucalypt forests, woodlands.

Distribution:

central eastern Australia, from Mareeba (north eastern Qld) to mid-eastern NSW; common on Darling Downs and near Brisbane (Beaudesert, Brisbane Valley, Caboolture).

Status:

common

Habits:

active at night; a climber

Breeding:

live bearer (5-10 young).

Main Prey:

frogs, reptiles and mammals.

Venom:

poorly-known; haemotoxic.

Notes:

potentially dangerous; one serious case of envenomation by a large specimen reported; apply first aid and seek urgent medical attention for all suspected bites.

Similar Species:

none.