Elapidae
Red-naped Snake
Furina diadema
A slender red-brown snake with a black head and nape, pale belly and a red or orange nape patch enclosed by black. Its checked range spans NSW, Queensland, SA, Victoria and the ACT.
Venomous
Identification and appearance
A slender red-brown snake with a black head and nape, pale belly and a red or orange nape patch enclosed by black.
Other names
Calamaria diadema
Typical length
AROD lists a species average of about 40 cm; the entry gives no separate maximum.
Body build
slender
Key identification features
- Slender red-brown body
- A red or orange nape patch surrounded by black
Where it is found
Recorded in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, SA and the ACT.
Activity
Hides during the day and hunts at night.
Diet
Feeds on small skinks.
Reproduction
Oviparous.
Medical significance
The Queensland account describes low usual human medical significance, but any suspected snakebite still needs urgent emergency care. Call 000 and follow snakebite first aid for any suspected bite.
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.
Similar-looking snakes
Red-naped and Orange-naped Snakes can look very similar. A Red-naped Snake usually has black surrounding its red neck patch, but this pattern varies.
Photo: Third Silence · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Licence)
Elapidae
Orange-naped Snake
Furina ornata
A small northern Australian snake recognised by a red nape blotch not completely enclosed by black.
Open identification guideSources checked
- Australian Reptile Online Database — Red-naped Snake (2026-09-25)
- The Reptile Database — Furina diadema (2026-09-25)
- Queensland Government — Red-naped Snake (2026-09-25)
Still not sure?
Compare this snake with more clues.
A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.