Rough-scaled Snake
Tropidechis carinatus

Length:

to 1.0m

Identification:

back dull green with darker grey-black flecks and blotches sometimes forming irregular, narrow bands; belly grey-green. Scales on back and side each with a pronounced logitudinal keel.

Scale Counts:

midbody scale rows 23; ventrals 160-185; anal single; subcaudals single 50-60.

Habitat:

coast and ranges; rainforests, moist forests, heaths, pastures and regenerated forests.

Distribution:

two widely sparated populations; Windsor Tableland to Bluewater Range, northeastern Qld; Fraser Island, southeastern Qld, to Barrington Tops, NSW.

Status:

Common.

Habits:

active day and night.

Breeding:

live bearer (6-12); average snout to vent length of new-borns 16cm.

Main Prey:

frogs, lizards, small mammals and birds.

Venom:

strongly neurotoxic.

Notes:

potentially dangerous; apply first aid and seek urgent medical advice for all suspected bites; responsible for at least one human death and several severe envemomations.

Similar Species:

Keelback (Tropidonophis mairii), which has similar general appearance and keeled scales, but is non-venomous. Distinguished mainly by scalation. Keelback, 15 rarely 17 midbody scales; anal and subcaudals divided; usually with pink flush on sides of belly. Head less distinct from neck than that of Rough-scaled Snake. Some Tiger Snakes (Notechis scutatus) also easily confused with Rough-scaled Snakes. Scale counts separate them. Tiger Snakes have smooth scales and are usually more solidly built than Rough-scaled Snakes.