Elapidae

Spotted Mulga Snake

Pseudechis butleri

A dark-backed mulga snake from arid midwestern Western Australia, with pale-yellow scale centres and irregular darker patches.

Venomous

Identification and appearance

Dark or blackish-brown upperparts have pale-yellow scale centres and irregular fully dark patches; younger snakes may show a stronger reddish head and neck. Do not use colour alone for a field identification.

Typical length

The original 1982 account reports a total length up to 156 cm. A typical adult size range is not established here.

Head appearance

Younger specimens can have reddish head and neck colouring

Key identification features

dark or blackish-brown upperparts
pale-yellow scale centres
irregular dark patches
reddish head and neck more evident in younger snakes

Where it is found

Arid midwestern Western Australia; the checked accounts do not establish occurrence throughout WA.

Activity

Can be active by day or night depending on conditions.

Diet

Mainly lizards, with occasional small mammals.

Reproduction

Egg-laying.

Medical significance

AROD describes this species as dangerous. Treat any suspected bite as a medical emergency. 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.

Similar-looking snakes

The Mulga Snake is a cited comparison; colour and markings cannot confirm identification safely.

Sources checked

Australian Reptile Online Database — Spotted Mulga Snake (2026-09-25)
The Reptile Database — Pseudechis butleri (2026-09-25)
Smith 1982 — Variation in Pseudechis australis and description of new Pseudechis species (2026-09-26)
Australian Venom Research Unit — Black snakes (Pseudechis) (2026-09-26)
ANZCOR — Australian snake bite first aid (2026-09-26)

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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