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Australian Coral Snake

Brachyurophis australis

Weakly Venomous

Other common names: Coral Snake, Shovel-nosed Snake

Australian Coral Snake with its unique colour and patterning and shovel shaped nose
Australian coral snake profile pic of head

Species Profile

Australian Coral Snake

  • Significance to Humans

    Weakly Venomous

    The Australian Coral snake is virtually harmless and not considered medically important. Though weakly venomous, it is generally considered harmless due to its inoffensive nature and reluctance to bite.

  • General Description

    This small snake is smooth and glossy, featuring numerous narrow, ragged-edge bands that range in colour from reddish-brown through orange-red to coral-pink. These bands are interspersed between narrow bands of creamy pale scales with dark edges. It has a black blotch or bar on its head and a broad black bar across its neck. The belly is bright creamy white. The tip of its snout has a sharp, upturned cutting edge (or rostral scale) that is used for burrowing. Midbody scales at 17 rows.

  • Average Length

    Averages around 30cm in length.

  • Habitat in SE Qld

    Found in a wide variety of habitats, but it particularly prefers areas with dry, sandy soils.

  • General habits

    The Australian Coral snake is uncommonly seen and little is known about its habits. It is nocturnally active, primarily functioning as a burrowing snake that generally stays beneath the soil and litter. However, it may be occasionally found above ground on warm nights. During the day, it seeks shelter under the soil surface or under stumps, rocks, and logs.

  • Diet

    Primarily consists of skinks and other lizards, as well as reptile eggs.

  • Local distribution

    This species can be found in the Brisbane & Lockyer Valleys, Ipswich, Greenbank, Camira, and Mt Crosby areas.

     

  • Around the home

    The Australian Coral snake is infrequently encountered around homes. Most specimens discovered in backyard swimming pools are the result of the snake falling in during its nocturnal movements.

Australian Coral Snake Gallery

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