Golden-crowned Snake

Identification and appearance

A black to dark-grey snake with a yellowish streak along each side of the neck that continues onto the head and snout; the top of the head is very dark.

Typical length

AROD lists a species average of about 60 cm and a separately reported maximum of 72 cm.

Key identification features

• Dark grey to black body
• Yellowish markings run along the neck towards the snout

Where it is found

Eastern Australia, from the Goulburn area of NSW northwards to the Proserpine area in Queensland.

Habitat

This snake uses forest and sandstone country, and sometimes appears in suburbs on warm nights. It spends the day concealed beneath leaf litter, logs or stones.

Activity

Shelters beneath stones, logs and leaf litter by day, then comes out at night to feed.

Diet

Mostly lizards, occasionally reptile eggs.

Reproduction

Oviparous.

Medical significance

The consulted source describes weak venom. Treat a suspected snakebite as an emergency: call 000 and follow snakebite first aid.

What to do if you encounter one

Keep well clear and leave a route towards cover. Do not chase, corner, handle or inspect it. If it is inside a building, keep people and pets away and contact a qualified local snake remover.

Similar-looking snakes

Photo: Max Tibby · CC0 1.0 (Licence)

Elapidae

Red-naped Snake

Furina diadema

A slender red-brown snake with a black head and nape, pale belly and a red or orange nape patch enclosed by black. Its checked range spans NSW, Queensland, SA, Victoria and the ACT.

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