Dwarf Crowned Snake
Cacophis krefftii
One of the smallest Australian elapids, a secretive litter-dwelling snake named for the pale crown-like collar behind its head.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.25-0.4 m (0.8-1.3 ft)
- Range
- Southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales, Australia
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Overview
The Dwarf Crowned Snake is a tiny, rarely seen elapid restricted to a narrow strip of subtropical eastern Australia. It shares the crowned-snake body plan of dark upperparts with a contrasting pale head marking.
Like its relatives, it is a burrowing, nocturnal species posing negligible risk to people.
How to identify it
- Small, slender body, uniform dark brown to black above
- Pale cream to yellowish crown-like band on the head/neck
- Belly pale, sometimes with dark blotches
- Smooth scales, cylindrical body
- Round pupil
- One of the smallest crowned snakes, rarely exceeding 30-35 cm
- Separated from the White-Crowned Snake by finer scale and range differences
Habitat & range
Inhabits rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest, and moist woodland in a limited coastal range of southeast Queensland and adjacent New South Wales. Found under logs, rocks, and leaf litter in humid environments.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and fossorial, spending daylight hours hidden in moist retreats. Diet consists mainly of small skinks. Reproduces by laying small clutches of eggs in sheltered, damp locations.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dwarf Crowned Snake venomous?
Yes, it is mildly venomous but not considered dangerous to humans.
How big does the Dwarf Crowned Snake get?
It is one of the smallest Australian elapids, typically under 35 cm long.
Where is the Dwarf Crowned Snake found?
It has a restricted range in southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales.
What habitat does the Dwarf Crowned Snake prefer?
It favors moist forests and woodlands, sheltering under logs and leaf litter.
Dwarf Crowned Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Dwarf Crowned Snake.
