Carpentaria Snake
Cryptophis boschmai
Mildly Venomous
Other common names: Black-bellied Swamp Snake, Swamp Snake and Grass Snake
Species Profile
Carpentaria Snake
Significance to Humans
Mildly Venomous
Although the Carpentaria Snake’s venom is mild, all bites should be treated immediately and attended to with proper first aid.
General Description
The Carpentaria Snake typically exhibits a range of colours, from light to dark brown, with scales tipped anteriorly with darker spots. It has a stoutish tail and a white to cream-coloured belly. Midbody scales at 15 rows.
Average Length
Averages around 45-50 cm, with a maximum recorded length of approximately 60 cm.
Habitat in SE Qld
This snake favours dry woodland vegetation communities and can be found crossing roads in farmland areas of the Lockyer Valley and Darling Downs.
General habits
The Carpentaria Snake is predominantly nocturnal species, also is seen active during crepuscular periods (dusk and dawn).
Diet
Diet consists almost exclusively of skinks. However, a road-killed specimen near Splityard Creek was found with a recently ingested juvenile Eastern Bearded Dragon in its gut.
Local distribution
The Carpentaria Snake has been recorded throughout suitable habitat in the Lockyer and Esk Valleys, extending westward throughout the Darling Downs.
Around the home
Given its habitat preferences, this species is likely to occur mainly within rural properties that contain favoured localities.
Carpentaria Snake Gallery
