Elapidae
Warrego Burrowing Snake
Antaioserpens warro
The Warrego Burrowing Snake is a small Queensland snake with a weakly shovel-shaped snout, dark head markings and a speckled brown body. It is a poorly encountered burrowing species.
Venomous
Identification and appearance
Specialist accounts describe small eyes, a weakly shovel-shaped snout, a black bar between the eyes, another broad black bar across the nape and irregularly dark-edged scales that create a speckled appearance.
Typical length
AROD reports an average of about 40 cm; a maximum was not given on the consulted page.
Head appearance
weakly shovel-shaped snout, small eyes
Key identification features
- Small eyes and weakly shovel-shaped snout
- Black bars across the eyes and nape
- Brown, speckled-looking body
Where it is found
Queensland, including records from the southern Brigalow Belt and eastern Mulga Lands bioregions.
Diet
AROD says it probably feeds on reptile eggs.
Reproduction
Egg-laying.
Medical significance
Species-specific clinical effects are not established in this profile. For any suspected bite, call 000 and follow snakebite first aid without waiting for identification.
What to do if you encounter one
Keep clear and let it move away. Do not dig for or corner it; use a qualified snake catcher if it is trapped near people.
Similar-looking snakes
No pairwise lookalike link is included without a direct source comparison. Do not handle a suspected burrowing elapid to inspect the snout.
Taxonomy notes
Previously placed in Simoselaps as Simoselaps warro.
Sources checked
- Australian Reptile Online Database — Warrego burrowing snake (2026-09-25)
- The Reptile Database — Antaioserpens warro (2026-09-25)
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A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.