King Brown Snake

The King Brown Snake, also widely known as the Mulga Snake, is one of the largest venomous snake species in Australia and among the most widely distributed, occupying a vast range across arid, semi-arid, and tropical regions of the continent. Despite its common name, it is not a true brown snake (genus Pseudonaja) but belongs to the black snake genus Pseudechis.

It injects a comparatively large volume of venom per bite relative to many other Australian elapids, though its venom is less potent milligram-for-milligram than some other species.

• Coloration variable, ranging from copper-brown to olive or dark brown, sometimes with a reddish tinge, and each scale often edged in a darker shade giving a reticulated look
• Heavy, robust body for an elapid, with a broad, somewhat rounded head
• Round pupils
• Smooth, glossy scales
• Pale to cream-colored belly
• Distinguished from true brown snakes (Pseudonaja) by its heavier build, broader head, and typically darker, more reticulated coloration

Occupies an extremely broad range of habitats across mainland Australia, including arid deserts, semi-arid woodlands, grasslands, and tropical savanna, often sheltering in animal burrows, hollow logs, or rock crevices.

Primarily nocturnal in hot regions, more diurnal in cooler areas or seasons. An opportunistic predator feeding on a wide range of prey including reptiles, frogs, birds, and small mammals, and is notably resistant to the venom of other snakes it sometimes preys upon. Oviparous, laying eggs in sheltered locations. Known for a defensive display involving flattening the neck and body when threatened.