Elapidae
Yellow-naped Snake
Furina barnardi
A little-known Queensland snake with a brown body and pale neck band.
Venomous
Identification and appearance
A brown Queensland crowned snake with a light tan nape band, dark snout and pale belly. Queensland Government records it from open forest, grassland and foredune vegetation where it preys on skinks.
Other names
Barnard’s Snake
Typical length
Queensland Government reports length up to 50 cm; this is an upper size, not a population average.
Head appearance
Dark snout and light tan nape band
Key identification features
- Brown upper surface with pale nape band
- Dark snout and pale belly
- Open forest, grassland and foredune habitat
Where it is found
Queensland, including open forest, grassland and foredune habitats.
Activity
Active at night; shelters beneath logs and leaf litter.
Diet
Mostly skinks.
Reproduction
Egg-laying; AROD reports an average clutch size of 8.
Medical significance
Queensland Government describes this as a little-known species whose venom is not well understood. For any suspected snakebite, call 000 and follow snakebite first aid.
What to do if you encounter one
Keep your distance and leave the snake a clear route away. Do not handle it, chase it for a photograph or attempt to inspect its mouth. If it is inside a building, keep people and pets clear and contact a qualified local snake catcher.
Sources checked
- Australian Reptile Online Database — Yellow-naped Snake (2026-09-25)
- Queensland Government — Snakes of the Cairns region (2026-09-25)
- The Reptile Database — Furina barnardi (2026-09-25)
- ANZCOR — First Aid Management of Australian Snake Bite (2026-09-25)
- Australian Government, Assessing the Effectiveness of Tramp Ant Projects to Reduce Impacts on Biodiversity (2026-09-26)
Still not sure?
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A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.