Muller's Crowned Snake
Cacophis mulleri
A small nocturnal elapid found in eastern Australia, recognizable by a pale crown-like marking on its head.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 25-40 cm (10-16 in)
- Range
- Eastern Australia
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Overview
Muller's Crowned Snake is a small, secretive elapid native to eastern Australia, named for the crown-shaped pale marking on the back of its head. It is part of a group of small crowned snakes found across Australia's east coast.
It is typically encountered under logs, rocks, and leaf litter, preferring moist forested habitats.
How to identify it
- Small, slender body, generally grayish to reddish-brown
- Distinct pale, crown-shaped marking on the head/nape
- Smooth scales
- Small eyes with round pupils
- Head slightly distinct from neck
- Crown marking distinguishes it from similar small nocturnal elapids
Habitat & range
Found in moist eucalypt forest, rainforest margins, and woodland along eastern Australia. Shelters under logs, rocks, and leaf litter, favoring humid microhabitats.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal, emerging to forage for small skinks and frogs. Generally docile and non-aggressive if encountered. Oviparous, laying small clutches of eggs in moist, sheltered sites.
Frequently asked questions
What gives Muller's Crowned Snake its name?
A pale, crown-shaped marking on the back of its head.
Is it dangerous to humans?
It is mildly venomous and considered of low risk to humans, being small and non-aggressive.
What does it eat?
It feeds mainly on small skinks and frogs.
Where does it live?
In moist forested habitats along eastern Australia.
Muller's Crowned Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Muller's Crowned Snake.
