Collett's Black Snake
Pseudechis colletti

Length:

to 1.5m

Identification:

back brown with large cream to reddish blotches forming irregular bands; belly reddish-cream.

Scale Counts:

midbody scale rows 19; ventrals 215-235; anal divided; subcaudals single at front, remainer divided 50-70.

Habitat:

open grasslands and woodlands of the black-soil downs central and western Queensland.

Distribution:

central-western QLD.

Status:

probably common.

Habits:

active by day and night.

Breeding:

egg-layer (7-13); average snount -vent length of hatchlings 33cm.

Main Prey:

mammals and frogs.

Venom:

myotoxic and cardiotoxic.

Notes:

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

Similar Species:

some specimens of the Spotted Black Snake (Pseudechis guttatus) which have fewer ventral scales (less than 200).