Dwyer's Snake
Suta dwyeri
A small, dark-headed elapid found in rocky woodland habitats of eastern Australia.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.3-0.4 m (12-16 in)
- Range
- Eastern Australia (New South Wales, southern Queensland)
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Overview
Dwyer's snake is a small elapid distributed through the woodland and rocky country of inland New South Wales and southern Queensland. It is named after the herpetologist who first described it and is recognizable by its notably darker head.
Like other members of its genus, it is a nocturnal reptile-feeder that shelters by day beneath surface objects.
How to identify it
- Small, slender body
- Grey-brown body with a distinctly darker, blackish head cap
- Smooth glossy scales
- Pale belly
- Dark head helps distinguish it from similarly sized plain-colored relatives
Habitat & range
Found in dry sclerophyll woodland, rocky ridges, and grassy woodland across inland eastern Australia, sheltering under rocks, bark, and logs.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and secretive, active on warm nights. Feeds mainly on small lizards, particularly skinks. Lays eggs in summer months.
Frequently asked questions
What is distinctive about Dwyer's snake?
Its notably darker, almost black head compared to its lighter body.
Is it dangerous?
It is mildly venomous but poses minimal risk to humans.
Where is it found?
Woodland and rocky habitats of inland New South Wales and southern Queensland.
What does it eat?
Mainly small skinks.
Dwyer's Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Dwyer's Snake.
