If you’ve never been to Queensland, or even if you live there, you may not be familiar with the multitude of snakes you’re likely to encounter in the wild.
Especially since many of these species are very similar to one another, causing confusion even among the more well-versed snake lovers.
Fortunately, I’m here to shed some light on this matter. I present to you the 27 different types of snakes you’re bound to encounter in Queensland at one point or another.
Please, note: this isn’t an exhaustive list, as there may be many more that are less popular and more difficult to encounter in the wild.
Let’s get right in!
Eastern Brown Snake
Habitat – This species is found throughout much of Australia, including forests, grasslands, and suburban areas. It prefers open habitats, such as farmland and scrubland, and is often found in or near human settlements.
Appearance – The reptile can vary in color from light brown to dark brown or black. It has a slender body and can grow up to 7.8 feet in length. The head is relatively small, and the eyes are large and dark with round pupils, which makes many people confuse this one for a non-venomous species.
Diet – The eastern brown snake is a carnivorous species and feeds primarily on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It has a highly efficient digestive system, and it can digest prey quickly, allowing it to consume large meals relative to its body size and eat more often than other species.
Behavior – The snake is an active and fast-moving species that is often found basking in the sun. It is highly venomous and can deliver a deadly bite if provoked or even surprised by a wandering tourist or local oblivious to the killer’s presence. This one is known for its aggressive behavior and will often stand its ground and strike if it feels threatened.
Pet Suitability – The Eastern Brown Snake is not a suitable pet for most people. It is highly venomous and requires specialized care that only experienced and trained professionals can provide. It is also illegal to keep these snakes as pets in many parts of the world, so make sure you’re clear in your state to do so.
Red-Bellied Black Snake
Habitat – The red-bellied black snake is found throughout eastern Australia, including woodlands, forests, and swamps. It prefers moist habitats and is often found near water sources such as creeks, rivers, and lakes, where it specializes in hunting semi-aquatic prey.
Appearance – The red-bellied black snake has a black or dark brown upper body with a distinct red or pink belly. It has a slender and elongated body and can grow up to 6.5-7 feet in length. The head is relatively small, and the eyes are large and black.
Diet – This is a carnivorous species, which you would expect from a reptilian predator that feeds primarily on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. The venom is the hunter’s main hunting method and is quite effective thanks to its potency and method of delivery. Red-bellied black snakes don’t shy away from biting several times, both when hunting and when defending themselves.
Behavior: This snake is relatively calm and non-aggressive. It is primarily active during the day and spends much of its time basking in the sun. If threatened, it will usually retreat to avoid conflict but can bite if surprised, cornered, or confronted. And you better avoid doing either because this species’ bite can cause serious health problems in humans.
Pet Suitability – This one is also not suitable for most people as a pet due to its venomous nature and specialized care requirements. It is also illegal to keep red-bellied black snakes as pets in many parts of the world, and worldwide trading is either heavily regulated or prohibited, depending on the region. Even experienced snake handlers should approach this species with caution.
Coastal Carpet Python
Habitat – The coastal carpet python is found throughout eastern and northern Australia, including rainforests, woodlands, and suburban areas. It prefers humid habitats and is often found near water sources such as rivers and creeks, where most of its preferred prey comes to bathe and hydrate itself. The snake likes to watch, among other things.
Appearance – The coastal carpet python can vary in color from light beige to dark brown, with distinctive diamond-shaped patterns along its back. It has a muscular body and can grow up to 9 feet in length. The head is relatively small, and the eyes are large and dark. Everything about this species screams constricting killer, and the first impression isn’t wrong one bit.
Diet – This powerful carnivore feeds primarily on small mammals, birds, and reptiles but can take down larger prey, including other snakes. Because of its ability to consume large animals, this python may only require to eat once every month or 2, depending on the situation.
Behavior – Coastal carpet pythons are relatively calm and non-aggressive toward humans. This reptile is primarily active during the night and spends much of its time hiding in trees or other elevated areas. If threatened, it will usually retreat to avoid conflict but can also hold its ground, coil up, and hiss loudly to intimidate and scare attackers away. The animal’s bite isn’t venomous, but it’s dangerous nonetheless because of the snake’s size and power.
Pet Suitability – The Coastal carpet python is a popular species in the pet trade due to its calm and docile nature. It can make a good pet for experienced snake handlers who can provide the specialized care it requires. However, it is important to note that coastal carpet pythons can require a large enclosure to thrive.
Common Tree snake
Habitat – The common tree snake is found throughout much of Australia, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. It prefers humid habitats and is often found near water sources such as creeks, rivers, and ponds.
Appearance – The snake can vary in color from light green to brown or gray, with a distinct pattern of spots along its back. It has a slender body and can grow up to 6.5 feet in length, but most individuals will generally stay below 5. The head is relatively small, and the eyes are large, dark, and with round pupils.
Diet – This carnivore feeds primarily on small mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, which is a standard reptilian diet.
Behavior – This is an arboreal species that spends much of its time in trees or other elevated areas. It is primarily active during the day and can move quickly and gracefully through the trees. If threatened, it will usually retreat to avoid conflict.
Pet Suitability – The common tree snake is not a commonly kept species in the pet trade. While it can make a good pet for experienced snake handlers, it is important to remember that it is a wild animal and requires specialized care to thrive. It is also illegal to keep wild-caught common tree snakes as pets in many parts of the world. Including parts of Australia.
Yellow-Faced Whip Snake
Habitat – The yellow-faced whip snake is found throughout much of Australia, including arid and semi-arid regions. It prefers open habitats, such as grasslands and deserts, and is often found near human settlements, which can lead to some unfortunate encounters, with the snake pulling the shorter straw on most occasions.
Appearance: This species is slender and elongated, with a distinctive yellow or cream-colored face. It can vary in color from light brown to dark gray or black, with a dark stripe along its back, and can reach up to 3 feet in length, sometimes slightly more. In terms of general appearance, think Walmart black mamba.
Diet – This small carnivore eats equally small mammals, birds, reptiles, and even larger insects if given the opportunity. The snake’s diet is specialized to its desertic habitat.
Behavior – This is an active and fast-moving species that is often found basking in the sun on a flat rock, usually near its burrow or a nearby escape route. It is venomous and can deliver an uncomfortable bite if provoked, but most bites are relatively mild due to the less potent venom. This one is known for its aggressive behavior, as the snake will often stand its ground and strike if it feels threatened.
Pet Suitability – The yellow-faced whip snake is not suitable for most people as a pet due to its venomous nature and specialized care requirements. Only consider this species if you’re experienced in reptile keeping and know for a fact that keeping this one as a pet is legal in your area.
White Crowned Snake
Habitat – This one is found in southeastern Australia, primarily in wet and humid habitats such as rainforests, woodlands, and swamps. They prefer to live near water sources, typically around streams or creeks that provide them with great access to all of the resources they need.
Appearance – The snake is a small, slender snake with a white crown-like marking on its head. These snakes are typically gray or brown in color with a darker stripe along their back, although these patterns can vary between different individuals. They can grow up to 15 inches in length, so they qualify as small, making them more difficult to observe in the wild.
Diet – This carnivorous species can only feed on small invertebrates such as spiders, insects, and worms. The reptile is an opportunistic hunter and eater, though, so it won’t refuse small amphibians, mammals, and birds if given the opportunity. So long as they’re really small.
Behavior – The white-crowned snake is a secretive and nocturnal species that spends much of its time hiding under rocks, logs, or other debris. They are not aggressive and will usually flee if threatened, especially since they lack any real defensive mechanism. Most won’t even resort to threatening to pose, primarily because they’re unlikely to fool anyone.
Pet Suitability – This species isn’t exactly common or popular in the pet trade. While they are small and relatively easy to care for, they are not typically recommended as pets due to their secretive and reclusive nature. Plus, it is illegal to keep wild-caught white-crowned snakes as pets in many parts of the world, while captive-bred ones are few and far between.
Brown Tree Snake
Habitat – Brown tree snakes are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and coastal areas. They are primarily arboreal, so they spend most of their time in trees or other elevated areas. They rely on these vantage points to observe prey and predators better, so they can decide their next course of action more effectively.
Appearance – This species is relatively large, growing up to 4 feet in length at most. They are typically brown or gray in color, with a distinct pattern of lighter markings along their dorsal area.
Diet – Brown tree snakes are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including birds, lizards, and small mammals. They are known for their ability to climb trees and attack bird nests as well, sometimes even consuming the eggs if available.
Behavior – This is a nocturnal species that prefers to hunt under cover of darkness. They are known for their rather aggressive behavior and can deliver a venomous bite if provoked. They are also known to be a nuisance in human-populated areas, as they are attracted to human food sources and can cause damage to electrical systems.
Pet Suitability – The brown tree snake isn’t exactly pet material due to its venomous nature and more demanding nature. You also can’t keep brown tree snakes legally as pets in many parts of the world, which is a recurrent theme for Australian-native species.
Keelback
Habitat – The Keelback inhabits much of Australia, including wetlands, swamps, and other humid ecosystems. It prefers habitats near water sources and is often found near rivers, creeks, and other bodies of water that offer easy access to food and shelter.
Appearance – Keelbacks are relatively small, growing up to 3.3 feet, although most individuals won’t get past 2.5 overall. The reptile is typically brown or gray in color with darker stripes along its back. The snake also has a distinctive keeled scale on each vertebra, giving it a ridged appearance, along with its trademark name.
Diet – The Keelback is a carnivorous species and feeds primarily on small mammals, frogs, and other reptiles, many of which also qualify as semi-aquatic. The snake can happily hunt on land as well and won’t say no to an easy meal, should the opportunity arise.
Behavior – The Keelback is a relatively calm and non-aggressive species. It is primarily active during the day and spends much of its time hiding in leaf litter or other ground covers. If threatened, it will usually retreat to avoid conflict. No, this species is not venomous, in case you encounter conflicting information online. This is the Australian Keelback we’re talking about here, not the Asian version.
Pet Suitability – This species isn’t commonly kept as a pet. While it can make a good pet for experienced snake handlers, it is important to remember that it is a wild animal and requires specialized care to thrive. The problem is that many Australian snakes, including this one, are sensitive to life in captivity and don’t do well as pets. Keep that in mind for pretty much all of today’s species.
Small-Eyed Snake
Habitat – The small-eyed snake is found throughout much of Australia, including woodlands, grasslands, and other dry and desertic regions. It prefers habitats with open spaces and is often found in agricultural areas due to the easy access to prey like rodents and small reptiles.
Appearance – This is a relatively small snake, growing up to 1.5 feet in length, with some variation between different individuals. It is typically brown or gray in color with a darker stripe along its back and possesses small, beady eyes with distinctive vertical pupils, typical for a venomous species.
Diet – This carnivorous species feeds primarily on small mammals, lizards, and other reptiles and are known to be particularly skilled at hunting other snakes.
Behavior – The small-eyed snake is a nocturnal species that is known for its aggressive behavior and can deliver a venomous bite if provoked. They are also known to be a nuisance in human-populated areas, as they are attracted to human food sources, leading to frequent interactions.
Pet Suitability – You may not have seen this one coming, but this species is not suitable as a pet due to its venomous nature and difficulty of care. You may also require a permit to own and care for one, which is typical for a variety of Australian-born snakes and reptiles.
Golden-Crowned Snake
Habitat – The golden-crowned snake inhabits many of Australia’s ecosystems, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. They prefer moist habitats and are often found near water sources such as creeks and swamps or wherever else they have easy access to food and other resources.
Appearance – This reptile is small and slender, with a distinctive golden or yellow crown on its head. It can vary in color from light brown to dark gray or black, with a dark stripe along its back, and can reach 15 inches max.
Diet – The golden-crowned snake is a carnivorous species and feeds primarily on small invertebrates such as spiders, insects, and worms. This is due to the snake’s small size, rendering the reptile unable to hunt large prey.
Behavior – The snake is a relatively calm and non-aggressive species. They are primarily active at night and spend much of their time hiding in leaf litter or other ground covers. If threatened, they prefer to retreat and hide to avoid any conflict.
Pet Suitability – The Golden Crowned Snake is not a commonly kept species in the pet trade. While they are small and relatively adaptable, and easy to care for, they are not typically recommended as pets due to their secretive and reclusive nature. These snakes can get stressed in captive conditions quite easily, which makes them prone to health problems and parasites.
Red-Napped Snake
Habitat – The red-napped snake is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. They prefer semi-humid habitats for adequate hydration and prey availability and diversity.
Appearance – Red-napped snakes are small and slender, with a unique red marking on their head. They can vary in color from light brown to dark gray or black, and some specimens come with a light stripe along their backs. This snake can reach 15 inches in the wild, so it ranks among the smaller species.
Diet – The red-napped snake is carnivorous and feeds primarily on small invertebrates such as spiders and insects and small vertebrates like lizards, mammas, and even small birds. The latter is more difficult to catch, but it takes more than that to discourage this hunter.
Behavior – These snakes are relatively calm and non-aggressive. They are primarily active at night and spend much of their time hiding in leaf litter or under rocks or logs, so you’re unlikely to meet them in the wild. If threatened, they will usually retreat to avoid conflict without you even knowing they’re there.
Pet Suitability – The red-napped snake is not common on the pet market. These reptiles are very shy and don’t fare well in captivity. Most specimens stress out too much, which renders them vulnerable to health issues like parasites, digestive problems, and infections.
Marsh Snake
Habitat – The Marsh Snake is found throughout much of Australia, including areas like wetlands, swamps, and other humid habitats, preferably with a lot of water nearby. You can also find them near streams and creeks, where they hunt for semi-aquatic animals that they can kill with ease.
Appearance – This relatively small snake rarely exceeds 25 inches in length and is usually brown or gray with darker markings along its back. It has a distinct pattern of alternating dark and light bands on its head and neck, making the species more recognizable. This is quite useful because the majority of water snakes are dark in color and look similar to one another.
Diet – This carnivorous species feeds primarily on small invertebrates such as spiders, insects, and frogs, which there are plenty of in the snake’s natural aquatic ecosystem.
Behavior – Marsh snakes are relatively calm and non-aggressive and prefer to flee the area to avoid any conflict. They are primarily active during the day but prefer to stay in hiding and only come out to bask in sunlight occasionally.
Pet Suitability – Marsh snakes are not suitable for most people as pets due to the difficulty of recreating their environment. They are also venomous, which makes them either hazardous or illegal to trade or keep in the first place.
Spotted Python
Habitat – The spotted python is quite common in Australia, inhabiting woodlands, grasslands, and suburban regions close to human settlements. They prefer habitats with rocky outcroppings and are often found in areas with caves or other underground spaces, where they can hide with ease, should the situation require it.
Appearance – The spotted python is a relatively small snake, growing up to 3 feet n length at most. This reptile is typically brown, dark green, or gray in color, with distinctive spots or blotches covering its entire back. It has a relatively thick body and a broad head, which is typical for constrictor snakes.
Diet – The spotted python is a carnivorous snake that feeds primarily on small mammals such as mice and rats. The snake is an adept hunter and a powerful reptile, so it can feed on a variety of other prey as well, which it hunts via the sit-and-wait technique.
Behavior – This constrictor is a relatively calm and non-aggressive species that prefers to hide in rock crevices or other underground spaces during the day. If threatened, it will usually retreat and hide but can also react aggressively if you surprise it.
Pet Suitability – The spotted python is a popular species in the pet trade due to its small size and ease of care. You probably didn’t see this one coming. They are relatively docile and can make good pets for beginner and more experienced snake keepers alike.
Stephen’s Banded Snake
Habitat – Stephen’s banded snakes are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and grasslands in various parts of Australia. They prefer humid and vegetation-rich habitats and are often found near water sources such as creeks and swamps.
Appearance – This species is a relatively small snake, growing up to 50 centimeters in length. It is typically brown or gray in color with distinctive bands or stripes along its body. It also has a triangular-shaped head, and vertical pupils, as most venomous species do.
Diet – This is a carnivorous species that feeds primarily on small mammals, lizards, and other snakes. This species is quite adept at hunting other small snakes, recommending it as a good pest-control species.
Behavior – The snake is a relatively calm and non-aggressive animal that hides most of the time, especially when not in need of hunting or basking in the sunlight. While they prefer to avoid conflicts, they can sometimes bite without warning, especially if you surprise them.
Pet Suitability – The Stephen’s banded snake is not recommended as a pet due to its venomous nature and reclusive nature. They are also quite difficult to accommodate in captivity due to their increased sensitivity and solitary lifestyle.
Pale-Headed Snake
Habitat – The pale-headed snake is another Australian resident that inhabits a multitude of ecosystems, including woodlands, forests, and suburban areas. They prefer habitats near water sources that provide easy access to water and food.
Appearance – Pale-headed snakes won’t grow past 25 inches in length, which qualifies them as small. These reptiles are typically brown or gray with a distinctive pale yellow or cream-colored head. They also have relatively slender bodies and broad heads with protruding eyes.
Diet – This species feeds primarily on small mammals such as mice and rats, which there are plenty of in its natural habitat. This qualifies the snake as great at controlling rodent pests, making it a valuable resource in agricultural zones.
Behavior – Pale-headed snakes are a relatively calm and non-aggressive species. They are primarily active at night and prefer to avoid humans or any other potential predators lurking in their habitat.
Pet Suitability: The pale-headed snake is not recommended as a pet due to its venomous bite and pretentious care requirements. This species is also heavily regulated when it comes to trading outside Australia.
Blind Snake
Habitat – Blind snakes are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and wetlands. They are often found underground or burrowing in soil and leaf litter, which is why you’re unlikely to encounter them as often.
Appearance – Blind snakes are typically small and slender, with shiny, smooth scales. They rarely exceed 5 inches in length, making it even more difficult to spot them in their natural ecosystem, especially since they don’t come out of their underground burrow much. They are often pale or dark in color, with a worm-like appearance, hence the reason why most people mistake them for earthworms. They also possess very small, vestigial eyes, and some even lack them completely.
Diet – Blind snakes are carnivorous and feed primarily on small invertebrates, such as ants and termites. This recommends them as great pest consumers, making them valuable assets, especially near human settlements.
Behavior – These are primarily nocturnal and spend much of their time burrowing underground. They are non-aggressive and are not harmful to humans. You’re unlikely to run into each other anyway, and even if you do, you have nothing to fear.
Pet Suitability – Blind Snakes are not commonly kept as pets, but they can make interesting and low-maintenance pets for some people. They require a terrarium with plenty of soil and leaf litter for burrowing. They are generally not handleable, as they are very small and fragile and will spend most of their time buried in the substrate. Which brings us to another problem: you won’t see them too much.
Bandy Bandy
Habitat – The Bandy Bandy is found throughout much of Australia, including grasslands, woodlands, and suburban areas. They prefer habitats with loose, sandy soils, allowing them freedom of movement and burrowing opportunities. Such a habitat provides the reptile with quick escape routes to evade predation and the best hunting opportunities.
Appearance – This species has a distinctive appearance, with black and white bands or rings spreading along the entire body. It is a relatively small snake, growing up to 30 inches in length, with most specimens being even smaller, around 20 inches.
Diet – Bandy Bandy is a carnivorous species and feeds primarily on small reptiles, including lizards and other snakes. They subdue their prey via their venom, which is enough to incapacitate small animals, but not strong enough to harm humans.
Behavior – The Bandy Bandy is a relatively calm and non-aggressive species. They are primarily active at night and spend much of their time hiding in loose soil or leaf litter. If threatened, they will usually retreat to avoid conflict but can also react violently and bite if cornered.
Pet Suitability – This isn’t the ideal pet due to its venomous nature and specific care requirements, causing it to stress out easily in captivity. You can work your way around it, just keep in mind that this is a sensitive and pretentious species.
Australian Coral Snake
Habitat – Yes, Australia has its own coral snakes, and they’re venomous here as well. Australian coral snakes are found throughout much of Australia, including woodlands, forests, and suburban areas. They prefer habitats near water sources and can often be found near streams or creeks, where they feed on semi-aquatic prey.
Appearance – The Australian coral snake has a distinctive appearance, with bright red and black bands or rings along its body, which is to be expected from the species anyway. That is, if you’re familiar with the American version, of course. This is a relatively small snake that will rarely exceed 15 inches in length. Some individuals can get to 18 inches, but that’s rare.
Diet – The Australian coral snake has a Diet similar to that of its American counterpart. We include here small reptiles, including lizards and other snakes, small mammals, amphibians, rodents, birds, etc. The snake won’t say no to anything so long as it can fit its mouth.
Behavior – Coral snakes are relatively calm and non-aggressive. They are primarily active at night and spend much of their time hiding in leaf litter or between rocks or logs. They prefer to hide and flee when sensing danger and won’t confront humans unless threatened directly or cornered.
Pet Suitability: Coral snakes aren’t the best pets in the world, but they can adapt to captive conditions, so long as you research their needs thoroughly. Just keep in mind that these are venomous snakes with rather cranky personalities.
Coastal Taipan
Habitat – The coastal Taipan inhabits a multitude of habitats, including rainforests, woodlands, and savannas. They prefer areas near water sources that provide protection and easy access to all of the resources they need. These are great swimmers, so you’re more likely to find them near or in the water than on land.
Appearance – The coastal Taipan has a relatively slender body and can reach 8 feet or more in length. It has a distinctive coloration, with a dark brown or black upper body and a pale underbelly. The species looks virtually identical to the standard Taipan, sometimes with a black head and small black eyes. Keep in mind that taipans have round pupils, so you may mistake them for a non-venomous species. That could be the last mistake you’ll ever going to make.
Diet – This versatile carnivore feeds primarily on small mammals, including rodents and bandicoots, but nothing is off the menu, so long as it’s small enough. The snake’s venom will make quick work of anything.
Behavior – The coastal Taipan is a highly venomous and potentially dangerous species. They are primarily active during the day and are known for their aggressive behavior when threatened. They will often stand their ground and defend themselves rather than retreat and can bite multiple times, injecting a powerful neurotoxic venom that can kill an adult human in a matter of hours. Sometimes faster.
Pet Suitability – Coastal taipans are the last snakes you ever want to keep as pets. To put it simply, they are too dangerous. They’re also unlikely that they can adapt to life in captivity due to their specialized housing and care requirements.
Common Death Adder
Habitat: The common death adder is found throughout much of Australia, including woodlands, forests, and suburban areas, unfortunately. They prefer habitats with loose, sandy soils, rocks, and not as much vegetation. The adder’s camouflaging colors are indicative of a desertic snake, more adapted to arid living conditions.
Appearance – This death adder has a distinctive appearance, with a broad triangular head and a flattened body. They are typically brown or gray in color with distinct bands or patches of darker color along their body. Death adders can reach 3.3 feet at most, but they’re almost always smaller and very thick and meaty with very broad heads.
Diet – Death adders are carnivorous, but this probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone. The snake feeds primarily on small mammals, including rodents and other small animals that it can ingest with ease.
Behavior – Death adders are highly venomous and reclusive species that prefer to stay still and wait for the prey to come close. They are primarily active during the night and are known for their ambush-hunting tactics. Unfortunately, death adders don’t tend to make much noise when sensing a human nearby. They prefer to strike instead. So, watch your step and don’t challenge the animal.
Pet Suitability – Common death adders are not recommended as pets, but this doesn’t mean they don’t exist on the pet market. Just keep in mind that these are only recommended to advanced snake keepers because of their unpredictability, aggression, and deadly bite.
Tiger Snake
Habitat – The tiger snake is found throughout much of southern Australia, including woodlands, forests, and coastal areas. They prefer habitats that include some water sources like rivers, lakes, or wetlands with a lot of vegetation and eatable fauna.
Appearance – The snake has a relatively slender body and can grow up to 5 feet in length. It also has a distinctive coloration, with a pattern of alternating bands of dark and light color along its body. Most individuals are very thick, with small, oval-shaped heads and small jaws.
Diet – The tiger snake feeds primarily on small mammals, including rodents, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. It can also catch fish, but that’s not as common. They can also consume eggs when given the opportunity.
Behavior – This is a venomous and potentially dangerous species, but it prefers to posture and intimidate attackers than strike. They are primarily active during the day and are known for their aggressive behavior when threatened. They will often stand their ground and defend themselves rather than retreat, so be wary of their presence and don’t confront them.
Pet Suitability – The tiger snake is not recommended as a pet due to its venomous nature and extremely aggressive demeanor. You’re unlikely to tame this one anytime soon, as it’s likely to remain aggressive for as long as you keep it. These snakes can also become stressed out in captivity and fall sick quite easily.
Grey Snake
Habitat – The grey snake is popular throughout much of eastern and southern Australia, including woodlands, forests, and suburban areas. They prefer habitats with barren sandy soils and rocks for hiding and quick retreat in case of danger.
Appearance – The grey snake has a distinctive appearance, with a grey-brown or olive-brown body and a yellow or cream underbelly. Some specimens look extremely similar to the Taipan, and, coincidence or not, they are also venomous. They have large eyes and slender bodies, capable of reaching 2 feet in adulthood.
Diet – Grey snakes feed on anything they can catch in their ecosystem, including small rodents, birds, reptiles, and anything in between.
Behavior – The grey snake is a venomous and potentially dangerous species. They are active during the night and are quite renowned for their ambush-hunting tactics. They prefer to lay in wait for the prey to come close before striking and injecting their deadly venom.
Pet Suitability – Not suitable as pets, but this should come as no surprise. No venomous species are suitable as pets, for that matter, especially one that gets stressed out quite easily in captivity. There are also legal issues related to this species, so you better look for something else.
Lesser Black Whip Snake
Habitat – The lesser black whip snake inhabits Australian woodlands, forests, and suburban areas. They prefer zones with loose, sandy soils and little vegetation for ease of movement.
Appearance – This species has a distinctive appearance, with a black or dark brown body and a lighter underbelly. They have slender, whip-like bodies and can grow up to 4-5 feet in length on average. Some specimens can reach 6 feet, but that’s not as common.
Diet – The lesser black whip snake consumes primarily small reptiles, including lizards and other snakes, but can eat a variety of other mammals, birds, and amphibians.
Behavior – This is a non-venomous and relatively harmless species that poses no danger to humans. These diurnal reptiles are known for their quick movements and ability to climb trees when chasing prey or trying to evade predators.
Pet Suitability – You would say that this one qualifies for life in captivity due to it being non-venomous, but you would be wrong. This snake has a tendency to be nervous and easily stressed in captivity, which is why it’s rarely kept as a pet.
Carpentaria Whip Snake
Habitat – The Carpentaria whip snake inhabits primarily northern and eastern Australia, including woodlands, forests, and savannas, often with plenty of vegetation and many hiding areas nearby. They prefer their soil to be sandy and loose because they like to bury themselves to regulate their temperature and find shelter from predators.
Appearance – The Carpentaria whip snake has a distinctive appearance, with a dark brown or black body and a lighter underbelly. They have long and agile bodies and can grow up to 2 feet in length, so they’re relatively small.
Diet – This carnivorous species feeds mostly on small reptiles, including lizards and other snakes, because these are the most widespread in their habitat. It can hunt other animals as well, as this is an opportunistic hunter with great hunting skills.
Behavior – This is a non-venomous and relatively harmless reptile that prefers to avoid any human contact. The animal qualifies as diurnal and is known for its agile movements and climbing abilities, especially when fleeing danger.
Pet Suitability – Whatever applies to the lesser black whip snake applies to this species as well. These snakes get stressed out easily in captivity, which makes them more vulnerable to diseases and parasites. They’re not pet material, which explains why they’re rarely found in the pet trade.
Spotted Black Snake
Habitat – The spotted black snake is also known as the blue-bellied black snake and inhabits much of eastern Australia, including woodlands, forests, and suburban areas. They prefer habitats with loose, sandy soils and are often found near water sources, as they prefer to remain close to their natural resources.
Appearance – The spotted black snake has a distinctive appearance, with a glossy black body and a bright blue underbelly. However, many individuals are completely black or showcase a lighter underbelly coloring, making them more difficult to identify. They have a relatively agile and slender body and can reach 5 feet in length.
Diet – This carnivorous species consumes small mammals, like rodents, birds, and other reptiles. They can also eat eggs if available.
Behavior – The spotted black snake is a venomous and potentially dangerous species. They are primarily active during the day and are known for their aggressive behavior when threatened. They will often stand their ground and defend themselves rather than retreat, making them more threatening and hazardous to humans.
Pet Suitability – Not recommended as pets due to their aggressive demeanor and incompatibility with a captive lifestyle.
Rough-Scaled Snake
Habitat – The rough-scaled snake inhabits ecosystems all over eastern and southern Australia, including woodlands, forests, and scrublands. They prefer dry areas with a lot of covers like rocks, crevices, sandy soil, and some scarce vegetation for a plus of shade.
Appearance – This reptile has a distinctive appearance, with rough, keeled scales and a dark brown or black body. Most individuals possess black dorsal markings like spots or stripes for a tiger-like appearance. They are generally slender with long and thin tails and capable of reaching 2.5 feet in length.
Diet – This snake’s diet is typical for a desertic reptile, with its favorite meals including rodents and other reptiles.
Behavior – The rough-scaled snake is a venomous and potentially dangerous species, which you wouldn’t say by looking at them. They appear small and innocuous, with round black pupils. But looks can be deceiving; these snakes have highly potent hemotoxic venom, so they’re not to be messed with. These nocturnal reptiles are known for their secretive and shy nature, as they will often retreat and hide rather than defend themselves.
Pet Suitability – Needless to say, this species doesn’t qualify as a good pet. This is due to its venomous nature, aggressive personality, and incompatibility with a lifestyle in captivity. So, keep looking!
Dwarf Crowned Snake
Habitat – We conclude our list with a small but cute one. The dwarf crowned snake is found throughout much of eastern and southern Australia, including woodlands, forested areas, and scrublands. They prefer habitats with sandy soils, which are great for burrowing, and are often found in dry areas, sometimes with a water source nearby.
Appearance – The snake has a distinctive appearance, with a slender body and a light brown or grayish color. They have a small, crown-shaped head, often with a yellow or white neck band, and can grow up to 10 inches in length, but this is stretching it. Most specimens won’t go past 8.
Diet – This small carnivorous crawler prefers to consume tadpoles, small frogs, skinks, and other small lizards. They are too small to consume mammals or birds, although they can eat their newborns if given a chance.
Behavior – The dwarf-crowned snake is a venomous one, which you probably didn’t see coming. Fortunately, they only possess a mild venom that can’t really hurt humans, aside from the natural local discomfort following the bite. These small snakes are primarily active during the night and are known for their secretive and shy nature.
Pet Suitability – Not great as pets due to their reclusive nature, causing them to become stressed in captivity. Their specific Dietary needs also pose a challenge to most snake keepers, which is why they’re almost non-existent on the pet market.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that this list is by no means complete. Many other species dwell in the Australian wilderness, both in the Queensland area and all around the continent.
However, these 27 species should do for now, especially if your trip resumes to Queensland and the surrounding habitats.
