Mustard-bellied Snake

Identification and appearance

A small south-eastern snake that is brown to grey above with a darker head and a yellow to orange neck band. The account notes that the usual white upper-lip stripe of a related species is absent.

Other names

Rose-bellied Snake

Typical length

AROD lists an average size of about 40 cm; no separate maximum is given.

Head appearance

Darker head and yellow-orange nape band

Key identification features

• Brown to grey upper surface
• Yellow-orange nape band
• White upper-lip stripe of a related species is absent

Where it is found

South-eastern New South Wales.

Diet

Reported prey is mostly lizards.

Reproduction

Live-bearing; AROD reports an average litter size of 5.

Medical significance

Venom is documented but the source says this species is not regarded as dangerous. 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.

Similar-looking snakes

Photo: george_vaughan · CC0 1.0 (Licence)

Elapidae

White-lipped Snake

Drysdalia coronoides

White-lipped Snake is recorded across south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania and New South Wales. It varies from olive-brown and grey to reddish brown or dark grey, with a white stripe on the upper lip and no pale or dark nape band.

Open identification guide →

Photo: Max Tibby · CC0 1.0 (Licence)

Elapidae

Marsh Snake

Hemiaspis signata

Marsh Snake is a small east-coast snake with an olive to grey back, dark belly and paired pale facial lines.

Open identification guide →