Rosen's Snake
Suta fasciata
A small, secretive elapid of arid Australia, in the same genus as the curl snake.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- 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
Is Rosen's snake dangerous?
It is mildly venomous and poses little risk to people.
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.
