Brown-headed Snake

Identification and appearance

The body is blackish-brown with a paler collar behind the head. Light edges around the side scales can be conspicuous. These broad features overlap with other snakes and are not a safe identification test.

Typical length

The Australian Museum Lizard Island guide reports total length up to 100 cm; local individuals are usually around 80 cm. That local figure is not a species-wide average.

Head appearance

Paler collar behind the head

Key identification features

• Blackish-brown body
• Paler collar behind the head
• Light edges on the side scales

Where it is found

Queensland, including Cape York and Torres Strait records.

Activity

Usually active at night.

Diet

Skinks were found in a small museum sample. A Cape York observation also reported apparent scavenging of a dead blind snake.

Reproduction

Egg-laying; AROD reports an average clutch size of 6.

Medical significance

The Australian Museum guide warns that a bite from a large individual could cause severe symptoms. Treat any possible bite as an emergency and call 000.

What to do if you encounter one

Keep your distance and leave the snake a clear route away. Do not handle it, chase it for a photograph or attempt to inspect its mouth. If it is inside a building, keep people and pets clear and contact a qualified local snake catcher.

Taxonomy notes

Also published under the genus combination Glyphodon tristis; this profile follows Furina tristis.