Broad-Headed Snake
Hoplocephalus bungaroides
A striking, endangered rock-dwelling elapid restricted to sandstone escarpments near Sydney, Australia.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.9 m (1.6-3 ft)
- Range
- Sandstone regions surrounding Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Overview
The Broad-Headed Snake is a rare, strikingly patterned elapid restricted to sandstone habitats in the region surrounding Sydney, New South Wales. Habitat loss and disturbance to its rocky shelters have made it a species of significant conservation concern.
It has a distinctive dark and pale banded or blotched pattern and a notably broad, flattened head adapted for squeezing into narrow rock crevices.
How to identify it
- Black to dark brown body with irregular yellow or cream blotches and speckling
- Distinctly broad, flattened head, wider than the neck
- Smooth scales
- Vertically elliptical pupil, unusual among elapids
- Small to medium body size
- Distinguished from related Hoplocephalus species by its broader head and specific sandstone range
Habitat & range
Restricted to sandstone escarpments, exposed rock outcrops, and adjacent woodland within about 200 km of Sydney. Shelters under sandstone rock flakes and in tree hollows.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal, sheltering by day under sun-warmed sandstone rocks and switching to tree hollows in winter. Feeds primarily on small reptiles, especially geckos. Considered vulnerable due to habitat disturbance. Gives birth to live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Broad-Headed Snake dangerous?
Yes, it is venomous, though it is shy and rarely encountered due to its restricted range and secretive habits.
Why is it a conservation concern?
Its specialized sandstone rock habitat has been degraded by illegal rock removal and urban development near Sydney.
What is distinctive about its head shape?
It has an unusually broad, flattened head that helps it wedge into narrow rock crevices.
What does it eat?
Primarily small reptiles such as geckos.
Broad-Headed Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Broad-Headed Snake.
