Homalopsidae
White-bellied Mangrove Snake
Fordonia leucobalia
A coastal northern Australian water snake with glossy dark upperparts, pale underside and irregular spots.
Probably weakly venomous (rear-fanged)
Identification and appearance
AROD describes glossy black, brown or reddish upperparts, pale below and irregular pale spots above.
Other names
Crab-eating (Water) Snake, White-bellied Water Snake
Typical length
AROD reports an average of 60 cm and a maximum of 100 cm.
Key identification features
- Glossy dark upperparts
- Pale underside
- Irregular pale spots
Where it is found
Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia; the wider account spans coastal South and South-east Asia and New Guinea.
Activity
Active at night. A field study in Singapore recorded snakes using mud-lobster mounds and tangles of mangrove roots.
Diet
Crustaceans, especially hard-shelled crabs.
Reproduction
Live-bearing.
Medical significance
Treat any suspected snakebite as an emergency: call 000 and follow snakebite first aid. Do not wait for identification.
What to do if you encounter one
Keep clear and do not handle it. Use a qualified snake catcher or local wildlife authority if it is trapped near people.
Sources checked
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A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.