Snake Identification
Green Tree Snake
(Dendrelaphis punctulata)Toxicity:Non-venomous
Frequency:Very common
Behaviour:Active day and night and usually timid
The common tree snake Dendrelaphis punctulata (also called green tree snake and Australian tree snake) is a slender, large-eyed, non-venomous, diurnal snake of many parts of Australia, especially in the northern and eastern coastal areas, and into Papua New Guinea.
This common snake is harmless, readily recognised as it is an agile snake with a very slender body and tail. The body colour varies from green to olive-green to black, frequently pale yellow on the throat and belly but other pale colours have been noted, blue flecks are present on the flank. Eyes are larger than in most snakes. Found in a variety of habitats ranging from rainforest to woodland to urban areas where it preys on fish, frogs and small animals.
Eastern Brown Snake
(Pseudonaja textilis)Toxicity:Highly Venomous
Frequency:Found in rural & suburban areas
Behaviour:Will strike aggressively and is very dangerous if provoked
Adult eastern brown snakes are highly variable in colour. Whilst usually a uniform shade of brown, they can have various patterns including speckles and bands, and range from a very pale fawn colour through to black, including orange, silver, yellow and grey. Juveniles can be banded and have a black head, with a lighter band behind, a black nape, and numerous red-brown spots on the belly.
This species has an average length of 1.5–1.8 m and it is rarely larger than 2 m. Large eastern brown snakes are often confused with "king brown" snakes (Pseudechis australis), whose habitat they share in many areas.
Carpet Python
(Morelia spilota)Toxicity:Non venomous
Frequency:Common in urban areas
Behaviour:Typically sedate however may bite if provoked
Variations of the species are found throughout urban Australia including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin. Typically not found in arid areas.
Non venomous however it is known to bite in defence if provoked or threatened. Bites can become infected. The Carpet Python is known to both climb an hide on the ground. This snake is known to grow very large and can consume large prey such as full size chickens, possums and even cats. Typically feeds on birds, possums, bats and ground vermin. They kill their prey by constriction and consume it whole. Rejected food, either due to size or the fact the snake is disturbed, often leaves a snail like shiny or crusty film on the intended prey.
They often find a comfy habitat and live there for many years. This is why you may see the one snake many times. They have a life span of 15 - 20 years.
Black Headed Python
(Aspidites melanocephalus)Toxicity:Non Venomous
Frequency:Found in northern humid to semi arid areas
Behaviour:Will strike aggressively if provoked
Found in northern regions of Australia they have a very distinctive appearance. They, being a python, are non venomous.They live in a number of habitats and are often found in rocky areas. They thrive in the humid tropics however are also found in semi-arid areas.
Childrens Python
(Antaresia childreni)Toxicity:Non Venomous
Frequency:Found in extreme north/north western Australia
Behaviour:Typically good natured
This snake was given it's name from it's discoverer John George Children and not because it's the ideal pet for children. That being said they are great pets as due to the fact they are easy to keep, good natured and live for up to 30 years.They are found in the very north of Australia and enjoy the warmth. Like many snakes they feed infrequently.
Colletts Snake
(Pseudechis colletti)Toxicity:Highly Venomous
Frequency:Found in western Queenslands dry barren areas
Behaviour:May defend and strike if provoked
Highly venomous! Bites from this snake should be treated with the utmost urgency. Call triple 000 and apply first aid. The snake in the photo is spectacular however they are generally more plain coloured. They are often just variations of brown. The Colletts Snake is found in the dry areas of western Queensland.
Death Adder
(Acanthophis)Toxicity:Highly Venomous
Frequency:East coast and throughout Australia
Behaviour:Will strike incredibly fast if provoked
Highly venomous! Bites from this snake should be treated with the utmost urgency. Call triple 000 and apply first aid. They are in the top 10 with regards to toxicity. They are a short snake however they are one of the fastest striking snakes in the world. Bites are rarely fatal in Australia due to first aid, anti-venom and the slower acting nature of the venom.
Diamond Python
(Morelia spilota)Toxicity:Non Venomous
Frequency:Wide variety of habitats throughout Australia
Behaviour:Generally well behaved however may bite if provoked
The Diamond Python is non venomous. This snake is from the same family as the Carpet Python and exhibits much the same characteristics.
Eastern Tiger Snake
(Notechis scutatus)Toxicity:Extremely Venomous
Frequency:Southern coastal areas of Australia
Behaviour:Can be very aggressive if provoked
Highly venomous! Bites from this snake should be treated with the utmost urgency. Call triple 000 and apply first aid. Very aggressive if cornered! Typically found in the southern areas of Australia including Victoria & Tasmania. One species was recorded on Stradbroke Island in south east Queensland.
Inland Taipan
(Oxyuranus microlepidotus)Toxicity:Most venomous land snake
Frequency:Western Queensland
Behaviour:Can be very aggressive if provoked
The most venomous land snake in the world. Bites from this snake should be treated with the utmost urgency. Call triple 000 and apply first aid. Very aggressive if cornered and significant bite range. Found in inland Australia in arid areas means it is rarely seen. Typically up to 2m but can be larger.
Red Bellied Black Snake
(Pseudechis porphyriacus)Toxicity:Extremely Venomous
Frequency:Common in southern and eastern Australia
Behaviour:Can be very aggressive if provoked
Bites from this snake should be treated with the utmost urgency. Call triple 000 and apply first aid. Found from South Australia all the way up the east coast into Queensland. The Red Belly Black Snake is often glossy black with vivid red flanks and belly.Typically found near waterways with plenty of vegetation.
Brown Tree Snake
(Boiga irregularis)Toxicity:Mildly venomous. Apply first aid & seek medical advice
Frequency:Common in northern and eastern Australia & south to Sydney.
Behaviour:Can be aggressive if provoked
Sometimes finds its way into building and roofs. Fast agile climber clearly discernible by it's head and eyes. It's head is typically much wider than it's neck and it's eyes are a magical cat like appearance. The Brown Tree Snake lays eggs. They are also rear gooved fanged.
King Brown Hoax











