Western Brown Snake

Identification and appearance

Yellow-to-orange and brown forms occur. Dark scale edges can create a net-like effect, and some snakes have broad or faint bands across the body. Head and neck colours vary between forms.

Other names

Mengden's brown snake, Gwardar

Typical length

AROD reports an average length of about 100 cm. No typical adult interval or species-specific maximum is established here.

Body build

slender

Head appearance

Head and neck may be dark or pale, depending on colour form

Key identification features

• slender body
• yellow/orange or brownish body forms
• reticulation or variable bands
• pale head and grey nape markings can occur

Where it is found

The described range runs from Carnarvon in Western Australia to Mootwingee National Park in western New South Wales. The broader state list also includes Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Diet

Small mammals, ground-nesting birds and lizards.

Reproduction

Egg-laying.

Medical significance

The Australian Museum warns that bites from brown snakes are potentially life-threatening. Treat any suspected bite as a life-threatening 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

Photo: Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark · CC BY 2.0 (Licence)

Elapidae

Eastern Brown Snake

Pseudonaja textilis

An Eastern Brown Snake is not always brown. Adults can be tan, orange-brown or nearly black, while young snakes may have striking dark bands. A relatively small head and slender body are more useful clues than the name alone.

Open identification guide →

Taxonomy notes

Older broad use of Pseudonaja nuchalis is not treated as interchangeable with the current species P. mengdeni.