Northern Small-Eyed Snake
Cryptophis pallidiceps
A small, secretive nocturnal elapid of tropical northern Australia with a pale head and glossy dark body.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.6 m (16-24 in)
- Range
- Northern Australia (Northern Territory, Kimberley region)
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Overview
The northern small-eyed snake is a slender, glossy elapid found across the monsoonal tropics of northern Australia. It belongs to a small genus of secretive, mostly fossorial or semi-fossorial snakes rarely encountered by people.
Little is published on its biology compared to more conspicuous elapids, but it is presumed to share the reptile- and frog-heavy diet typical of its close relatives.
How to identify it
- Small, cylindrical body with smooth, glossy scales
- Dark brown to blackish dorsal coloration with a noticeably paler head
- Small eyes relative to head size, giving the group its common name
- Belly pale cream to yellowish
- Distinguished from similar small elapids by subtle scale-count and head-shield differences
Habitat & range
Found in tropical savanna woodland, rocky escarpments, and monsoon forest margins of the Top End and Kimberley. Shelters under rocks, logs, and leaf litter, and in soil crevices during the dry season.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and secretive, spending daylight hours hidden underground or under surface debris. Feeds primarily on small reptiles such as skinks. Reproduction is oviparous, with small clutches typical of the genus.
Frequently asked questions
Is the northern small-eyed snake dangerous?
It is venomous but rarely encountered, being small, secretive, and nocturnal.
Where does it live?
Tropical northern Australia, including the Northern Territory and Kimberley region.
What does it eat?
Mainly small lizards such as skinks.
Is it active during the day?
No, it is nocturnal and shelters under rocks and logs by day.
Northern Small-Eyed Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Northern Small-Eyed Snake.
