Pseudonaja textilis

Identification: The Eastern Brown Snake may be any shade of brown but can also be grey or black. Some individuals are banded. The belly is typically cream with pink or orange spots. Juveniles may be plain or banded and have distinctive head markings consisting of a black blotch on the crown and a dark neck band. This species grows to 2 metres. Midbody scale rows 17; ventrals 185–235; anal divided; subcaudals divided 45–75.

Distribution: Found over most of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. It also occurs in southern South Australia and there are isolated populations in the Northern Territory. This species is also present in southern Papua New Guinea.

Habitat: Found in all habitats except rainforest. It has adapted well to farmed, grazed and semi-urban lands. In South-east Queensland, this species is particularly common around Beenleigh and Ipswich.

Habits: This species is active by day, although young Eastern Brown Snakes are often encountered at night.

Danger: This species is dangerously venomous and has been responsible for many human deaths. The venom is strongly neurotoxic. If bitten, apply first aid and seek urgent medical attention.

Eastern Brown Snakes can be pugnacious when provoked and rear up in a distinctive "S" shape.

Food: Feeds on frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals.

Breeding: Mating occurs in spring and early summer. Up to 28 eggs are laid. Hatchlings measure around 19 cm from the tip of the snout to the base of the tail (snout-vent length).

Similar species: Adults are most similar to the Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus), Mulga Snake (Pseudechis australis) and some colour forms of the Strap-snouted Brown Snake (Pseudonaja aspidorhyncha), Northern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja nuchalis) and Western Brown Snake (Pseudonaja mengdeni). A number of small snake species can be mistaken for juvenile Eastern Brown Snakes because they have similar head markings (for example, Red-naped Snake, Furina diadema; Grey Snake, Hemiaspis damelii; Dwyer's Snake, Parasuta dwyeri and the Curl Snake, Suta suta).