Pseudechis porphyriacus (Red-bellied Black Snake)
Onkaparinga River NP
One of the most commonly-seen venemous snakes in south-eastern and eastern Australia (although it is absent from Tasmania), this robust, impressive reptile is widespread in damp habitats such as creek-beds and lake margins. It is a frog-feeder but also eats fish and occasionally other snakes. The populations around Adelaide mark the north-western limit of the species' distribution in Australia.
The Red-bellied Black Snake is considered dangerously venomous, but all individuals I ever saw were going quickly in the opposite direction to me and showed no aggression at all. The example shown here, caught by Mark Hutchinson, hissed and flattened its neck into a hood, making a few reluctant strikes, but soon calmed down. It certainly didn't fit the stereotypical idea many people have of a 'lethal snake'.
The Red-bellied Black Snake is considered dangerously venomous, but all individuals I ever saw were going quickly in the opposite direction to me and showed no aggression at all. The example shown here, caught by Mark Hutchinson, hissed and flattened its neck into a hood, making a few reluctant strikes, but soon calmed down. It certainly didn't fit the stereotypical idea many people have of a 'lethal snake'.
Parasuta nigriceps (Black-backed Snake)
Alligator Gorge, Mount Remarkable NP
I uncovered this sleek, shiny (and very sleepy) snake under a rock near the Alligator Gorge car park on cold spring morning in 2008. Its torpor meant I had plenty of time to get some close-up pictures before worrying about whether it as a young Brown Snake or not!
P.nigriceps is one of several whip snakes native to South Australia. All are small, brown snakes with various amounts of black markings on the head. P.nigriceps has an entirely black upper head and a black stripe down the back (not so obvious in these photos).
escaping back under its boulder!
P.nigriceps is one of several whip snakes native to South Australia. All are small, brown snakes with various amounts of black markings on the head. P.nigriceps has an entirely black upper head and a black stripe down the back (not so obvious in these photos).
escaping back under its boulder!
Parasuta flagellum (Little Whip Snake)
Onkaparinga River NP
This attractive Parasuta was found under a rock slab by my friend Mark Hutchinson on a trip we did in 2008.
P.flagellum has a distinctive pale band between its eyes and across it nose, distinguishing it from similar species. Nationally, this species has a claim to fame in being the most southerly and cold-tolerant of the nocturnal Elapids. It is found in the southern half of South Australia (and Victoria), with the most northerly populations being found on the Yorke Peninsula, west of Adelaide.
Despite being venomous, it is not considered dangerous. Adults grow to around 30cm long.
P.flagellum has a distinctive pale band between its eyes and across it nose, distinguishing it from similar species. Nationally, this species has a claim to fame in being the most southerly and cold-tolerant of the nocturnal Elapids. It is found in the southern half of South Australia (and Victoria), with the most northerly populations being found on the Yorke Peninsula, west of Adelaide.
Despite being venomous, it is not considered dangerous. Adults grow to around 30cm long.