Rosen's Snake
Suta fasciata
A small, secretive elapid of arid Australia, in the same genus as the curl snake.
- Adult length
- 0.3-0.5 m (12-20 in)
- Range
- Inland and western Australia
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Overview
Rosen's snake is a small, secretive elapid found across arid and semi-arid parts of inland and western Australia. It belongs to the genus Suta, which also includes the curl snake, and shares the plain-to-faintly-banded coloration and rock- and log-dwelling habits typical of the group.
It is rarely encountered due to its cryptic, largely nocturnal lifestyle.
How to identify it
- Small, slender body with smooth scales
- Grey-brown to reddish dorsal coloration, sometimes with faint narrow banding
- Pale belly
- Head barely distinct from neck
- Best separated from close relatives by minor scale-count differences and range
Habitat & range
Occupies arid woodland, shrubland, and grassland of inland and western Australia, sheltering under surface debris and in soil cracks.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and secretive, becoming active on warm nights. Diet consists mainly of small lizards. Reproduction is oviparous.
Frequently asked questions
Where is it found?
Arid and semi-arid regions of inland and western Australia.
What does it eat?
Mainly small lizards.
Is it related to the curl snake?
Yes, it is a distinct species in the same genus (Suta) as the curl snake.
Rosen's Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Rosen's Snake.
