Rough-Scaled Snake
Tropidechis carinatus
A distinctive elapid with unusually keeled scales, found in rainforests and wet forests of eastern Australia.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.9 m (1.6-3 ft)
- Range
- Coastal eastern Australia from central New South Wales to northern Queensland
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Overview
The Rough-Scaled Snake is a medium-sized elapid notable for its keeled, rough-textured scales, a trait uncommon among Australian elapids and giving the species its common name. It inhabits rainforest and wet forest habitats along the eastern coast.
It is considered a medically significant venomous species and, due to superficial resemblance in habitat and behavior, is sometimes confused with harmless keelback species that share similar wet forest environments.
How to identify it
- Olive-brown to greyish body, sometimes with faint darker flecking
- Distinctly keeled (ridged) body scales, unusual among elapids
- Round pupil
- Moderately robust body with a head only slightly distinct from the neck
- Best distinguished from the harmless keelback by pupil shape and head scale pattern, best confirmed by an expert
Habitat & range
Found in rainforests, wet eucalypt forests, and moist gullies along the coastal ranges of eastern Australia, often near streams.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Active by day and night depending on season, often found near water. Feeds on frogs and occasionally small mammals. Considered one of Australia's medically significant snakes despite its modest size. Gives birth to live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Rough-Scaled Snake dangerous?
Yes, it is a venomous elapid considered medically significant despite its relatively small size.
What makes its scales unusual?
It has distinctly keeled, ridged scales, a rare trait among Australian elapids.
Where is it found?
In rainforests and wet forests along coastal eastern Australia.
What does it eat?
Mainly frogs, and occasionally small mammals.
Rough-Scaled Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Rough-Scaled Snake.
