King Brown Snake
Pseudechis australis
Conservation Status
Least ConcernReptilia · Elapidae
About
The king brown snake is a species of highly venomous snake of the family Elapidae, native to northern, western, and Central Australia. The king brown snake is the largest terrestrial venomous snake in Australia. Despite its common name, it is a member of the genus Pseudechis and only distantly related to true brown snakes. Its alternative common name is the mulga snake, although it lives in many habitats apart from mulga. First described by English zoologist John Edward Gray in 1842, it is a robust snake up to 3.3 m (11 ft) long. It is variable in appearance, with individuals from northern Australia having tan upper parts, while those from southern Australia are dark brown to blackish. Sometimes, it is seen in a reddish-green texture. The dorsal scales are two-toned, sometimes giving the snake a patterned appearance. Its underside is cream or white, often with orange splotches. The species is oviparous. The snake is considered to be a least-concern species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, though may have declined with the spread of the cane toad.
Fun Fact
The king brown snake is the largest terrestrial venomous snake in Australia.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Range runs from Ceduna in South Australia, west through the northern Nullarbor Plain to Kalgoorlie, Narrogin and on coastal plains north of Perth.
Diet
Eating roadkill, as well as the sloughed skins of other reptiles, and is known to exhibit cannibalism.
Lifespan
25 years (captivity)
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance