Pilbara Hooded Snake

Identification and appearance

A dark hood covers the head and nape, contrasting with a brown to bright red body. The body is moderately robust and usually appears unpatterned, although faint fine-scale markings can occur.

Typical length

Maryan et al. (2020) report total lengths up to 46 cm; sample means were 35.9 cm for males and 35.2 cm for females, not a typical-adult interval.

Body build

robust

Head appearance

Dark hood contrasting with the reddish-brown body

Key identification features

• Moderately robust body
• Reddish-brown to red body with a dark hood
• Pilbara stony plains and woodland or grass understorey

Where it is found

Pilbara region of Western Australia, especially stony plains and associated woodland and grass understorey.

Activity

Primarily nocturnal.

Medical significance

Human clinical significance is not established in the checked sources. 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: Lawrence Hylton · CC BY 4.0 (Licence)

Elapidae

Monk Snake

Suta monachus

A slender hooded snake of inland Western Australia, South Australia and the south-western Northern Territory.

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