Papuan Black Snake
Pseudechis papuanus

Length:

to 2m

Identification:

back shiny or matt black; belly greyish.

Scale Counts:

midbody scale rows 19 (rarely 21); ventrals 221-230; anal divided; subcaudals single at front, remainder divided 49-63.

Habitat:

open monsoon forest in swampy areas.

Distribution:

southern Papua New Guinea and adjacent islands, including Sabai Is. in far northern Torres Strait.

Status:

said to be uncommon

Habits:

active by day; also at dawn and dusk in hot weather.

Breeding:

egg-layer.

Main Prey:

frogs; small mammals, lizards and, possibly ground nesting birds.

Venom:

strongly neurotoxic, haemotoxic.

Notes:

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

Similar Species:

none on Torres Strait Islands, the only place where this species occurs in Qld.