Gould’s Hooded Snake

Identification and appearance

The body varies from reddish-brown to pale beige, usually with a dark hood over the head and nape. A dark stripe or broader zone along the back occurs in some individuals. Black colouring usually continues along the middle of the head to the snout, unlike the unbroken pale snout bar of the Mallee Black-headed Snake.

Typical length

A 2020 revision measured snakes up to 52.3 cm long and cited a separate 56 cm individual observed by B. Maryan. These are individual measurements, not a typical adult size range.

Body build

slender

Head appearance

Dark hood over head and nape

Key identification features

• slender body
• reddish-brown or beige colouration
• local black hood
• dark longitudinal zone can occur

Where it is found

The 2020 revision extends the account from Western Australia across the Nullarbor into South Australia, including populations formerly treated under the bushi/nullarbor names.

Activity

Active at night.

Diet

Sleeping lizards hunted at night.

Reproduction

Live-bearing.

Medical significance

The consulted sources label this species venomous but do not establish a simple field estimate of clinical severity. Treat any suspected bite as an emergency. Call 000 for an ambulance and do not wait for identification.

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.

Taxonomy notes

The 2020 revision synonymised the former Suta spectabilis bushi/nullarbor treatment under S. gouldii; the South Australian extension is retained.