Elapidae
Papuan Black Snake
Pseudechis papuanus
A stout, dark snake with Australian records on Boigu and Saibai Islands in the Torres Strait.
Highly venomous
Identification and appearance
A stout snake with predominantly glossy-black upperparts; occasional brown variants are reported. Australian records are from Boigu and Saibai Islands in Queensland, while the broader range is in southern New Guinea.
Typical length
AVRU gives a length range of 1.5–2.0 m, with occasional individuals reaching 2.2 m. These figures are not used as a confirmed typical adult interval.
Body build
robust
Key identification features
- stout build
- glossy-black upperparts
- occasional brown variants
Where it is found
Boigu and Saibai Islands in Queensland and southern New Guinea; this does not imply an island-wide New Guinea distribution.
Diet
Mainly frogs and small mammals.
Reproduction
Egg-laying.
Medical significance
AVRU and AROD describe this as a dangerous, highly venomous black snake. Any suspected bite requires immediate emergency medical care. 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.
Sources checked
- Australian Reptile Online Database — Papuan Black Snake (2026-09-25)
- The Reptile Database — Pseudechis papuanus (2026-09-25)
- Australian Venom Research Unit — Black snakes (Pseudechis) (2026-09-26)
- O’Shea 1990 — Dangerous snakes of Papua New Guinea (2026-09-26)
- ANZCOR — Australian snake bite first aid (2026-09-26)
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A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.