Curl Snake
Suta suta
A small, dull-colored elapid of Australia's arid interior known for curling into a tight coil when threatened.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.3-0.5 m (12-20 in)
- Range
- Inland eastern and central Australia
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Overview
The curl snake is a small, plain-colored elapid widespread across the drier inland regions of eastern and central Australia. Its common name references its distinctive defensive posture of coiling tightly with its head hidden beneath its body.
It is one of several small Suta species that occupy arid and semi-arid habitats, feeding largely on skinks and other small reptiles.
How to identify it
- Small, stout-bodied snake with smooth scales
- Grey-brown to reddish-brown dorsal coloration, often with a faint darker head cap
- Pale cream to whitish belly
- Head only slightly distinct from neck
- Distinctive tight coiling defensive display separates it behaviorally from similar species
Habitat & range
Occupies arid and semi-arid woodland, shrubland, and grassland across inland Australia, sheltering under logs, rocks, and leaf litter or in soil cracks and animal burrows.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal to crepuscular, becoming active on warm nights. When threatened, it characteristically curls into a ball with its head concealed. Feeds mainly on skinks and other small lizards. Lays eggs during the warmer months.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the curl snake?
Because it coils into a tight ball with its head hidden when threatened, rather than fleeing.
Is the curl snake venomous?
Yes, it is venomous, though bites to humans are uncommon.
Where does it live?
Arid and semi-arid inland regions of eastern and central Australia.
What does it eat?
Mainly skinks and other small lizards.
Curl Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Curl Snake.
