Golden-Crowned Snake
Cacophis squamulosus
A secretive nocturnal elapid with a golden crown-like marking on the head, found in eastern Australian forests and gardens.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.6 m (16-24 in)
- Range
- Eastern Australia (Queensland to New South Wales)
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Overview
The golden-crowned snake is a slender, secretive elapid found from coastal Queensland through to New South Wales. It is named for the pale golden band across the top of its head, contrasting with its darker body.
It is frequently found in suburban gardens and bushland alike, sheltering under logs, rocks, and leaf litter, and is considered inoffensive and rarely aggressive.
How to identify it
- Slender body with smooth, glossy scales
- Dark grey to brownish-black dorsal coloration
- Pale golden-yellow band across the crown of the head
- Pale belly
- Golden head band is the key distinguishing feature from other small dark elapids
Habitat & range
Found in rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll forest, and suburban gardens along the east coast of Australia from Queensland to New South Wales.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and secretive, foraging at night for small reptiles and frogs. Generally docile and reluctant to bite. Shelters under logs, rocks, and garden debris by day. Lays eggs during the warmer months.
Frequently asked questions
What gives the golden-crowned snake its name?
A pale golden-yellow band across the top of its head.
Is it dangerous to humans?
It is mildly venomous but generally docile and not considered dangerous.
Where does it live?
Forests and suburban gardens along eastern Australia from Queensland to New South Wales.
What does it eat?
Small reptiles and frogs.
Golden-Crowned Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Golden-Crowned Snake.
