Butler's Snake
Suta butleri
A small, secretive burrowing elapid endemic to the semi-arid country of Western Australia.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.3-0.5 m (1-1.6 ft)
- Range
- Semi-arid sandplain and wheatbelt regions of southwestern and interior Western Australia
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Overview
Butler's Snake is a small, secretive elapid endemic to the semi-arid sandplain and wheatbelt regions of Western Australia. It is a mildly venomous species considered of low risk to humans due to its small size and reclusive, burrowing habits.
It spends much of its time underground or beneath surface debris such as logs, rocks, and litter, emerging at night to hunt small reptiles.
How to identify it
- Small, slender body, typically reddish-brown to greyish-brown above
- Often a darker head or a faint dark band across the nape
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Round pupil
- Small, rounded head barely distinct from the neck
- Distinguished from other small elapids by its coloration, small size, and restricted Western Australian range
Habitat & range
Found in semi-arid sandplain heath, mallee, shrublands, and woodlands of Western Australia, sheltering underground and under logs, rocks, and leaf litter.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal and fossorial, sheltering below ground or beneath surface debris during the day. Feeds mainly on small lizards, particularly skinks. Reclusive and rarely seen. Gives birth to live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is Butler's Snake dangerous to humans?
It is mildly venomous and considered low risk due to its small size and secretive habits.
Where is it found?
It is endemic to the semi-arid regions of Western Australia.
What does it eat?
Mainly small lizards, especially skinks.
Does it lay eggs?
No, like other members of its genus it gives birth to live young.
Butler's Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Butler's Snake.
