Western Brown Snake
Pseudonaja nuchalis

Length:

to 1.5m

Identification:

back extremely variable; shades of orange-brown with flecks and bands, or plain; belly cream to orange with pink blotches. Some specimens have jet black heads.

Scale Counts:

midbody scale rows 17-19; ventrals180-230; anal anal divided; subcaudals divided 50-70. Rostral scale (scale on tip of snout) conspicuous and `strap-like' when viewed from above.

Habitat:

widespread in drier habitats; coastal eucalypt forests, woodlands and grasslands.

Distribution:

most of mainland Australia, absent from wetter parts of eastern Australia, and southwestern WA.

Status:

common

Habits:

active by day; nocturnal in hot weather.

Breeding:

egg-layer (11-14); average snout-vent length of hatchlings 20-22cm.

Main Prey:

reptiles and mammals.

Venom:

neurotoxic and haemotoxic.

Notes:

potentially dangerous; apply first aid and seek urgent medical attention for all suspected bites. Belongs to a species complex with many colour forms.

Similar Species:

Western Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus), which is more solidly built and has different scale counts; Some colour forms of Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis) from which it is separated by the shape of the rostral scale.