Australian Coral Snake
Brachyurophis australis
A small, brightly banded burrowing elapid found across arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, unrelated to true New World coral snakes.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 20-30 cm (8-12 in)
- Range
- Eastern and central Australia
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Overview
The Australian Coral Snake is a small elapid named for its resemblance in coloring to true coral snakes, despite being unrelated taxonomically. It inhabits dry, sandy regions across parts of eastern and central Australia.
It is a fossorial species, spending most of its life underground or beneath surface litter, only occasionally surfacing at night.
How to identify it
- Small body with bold banding of black, orange/red, and cream
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Rounded head with small eyes
- Shovel-like or slightly wedged snout for burrowing
- Bright banding distinguishes it from duller burrowing elapids in the same range
Habitat & range
Found in sandy and loamy soils of arid to semi-arid Australia, including shrublands and open woodlands. It shelters underground or beneath logs and leaf litter during the day.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and secretive, emerging after dark or following rain. Feeds on small reptiles, especially skinks and reptile eggs. Oviparous, laying small clutches of eggs in moist underground sites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Australian Coral Snake related to New World coral snakes?
No, it is an Australian elapid that shares a superficial color resemblance but is not closely related to true coral snakes.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it is venomous, though bites to humans are extremely rare due to its secretive habits.
What does it eat?
It primarily preys on small skinks and reptile eggs.
Where does it live?
It occurs in sandy arid and semi-arid habitats of eastern and central Australia.
Australian Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Australian Coral Snake.
