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Elapidae

Northern Dwarf Crowned Snake

Cacophis churchilli

Northern Dwarf Crowned Snake is a Queensland snake of rainforest and adjacent dry forest from Mt Elliot and Magnetic Island to just south of Cooktown. It is dark grey to brown above with a narrow yellow nape band.

Weakly venomous

Identification and appearance

Dark grey to brown upperparts, a narrow yellow band on the nape and a darker head.

Typical length

AROD lists a species average of 45 cm and a maximum of 54 cm; these figures do not establish a typical adult interval.

Key identification features

Dark grey to brown body
Narrow yellow nape band
Rainforest and adjacent dry-forest habitat

Where it is found

Rainforest and adjacent dry forest from Mt Elliot and Magnetic Island to just south of Cooktown, Queensland.

Diet

Small lizards.

Reproduction

Oviparous.

Medical significance

Weakly venomous according to AROD; a suspected bite still needs urgent medical assessment. Call 000 and follow snakebite first aid for any suspected bite.

What to do if you encounter one

Keep well clear, leave a route for the snake to move away and do not approach for a closer look. If it is inside a building, keep people and pets away and contact a qualified local snake catcher.

Similar-looking snakes

These related species provide useful reading comparisons. Similar appearance does not establish an identification.

Sources checked

Australian Reptile Online Database — Cacophis churchilli (2026-09-25)
The Reptile Database — Cacophis churchilli (2026-09-25)

For any suspected snakebite, call 000 and follow snakebite first aid.

Snake bite first aid

Call 000 for an ambulance for any suspected snakebite, even if the person feels well.

If they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately. CPR takes priority over bandaging.

If the person is unresponsive but breathing normally, gently place them on their side, keep their airway open and keep checking their breathing. Follow the emergency operator’s instructions.

Keep them lying still and reassured. For an arm or leg bite, apply a firm pressure bandage over the bite and along the whole limb, then splint it. Leave the bandage and splint in place for hospital staff. Stay with the person and monitor breathing.

Do not wash, cut or suck the bite, apply a tourniquet, or try to catch or kill the snake.

Based on ANZCOR snakebite guidance and pressure immobilisation guidance. Sources checked 25–26 September 2026.

Read the full first-aid guide →

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