Hemiaspis signata
VENOM: Mildly venomous, bites may require medical treatment.
SIZE: Growing to roughly 80cm (Avg 50cm)
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION: The Marsh Snake is a commonly encountered snake species throughout the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Scenic Rim regions.
HABITAT: Marsh Snakes favour wet, humid locations with a high abundance of small frogs and skinks which this species almost exclusively feeds on. Individuals have been recorded in sclerophyll forests, coastal wetlands, rainforest ranges and suburban landscapes.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The body of a Marsh Snake is generally a gunmetal grey or black colouration with a head that’s slightly lighter than the body. On the side of the snake’s face are two white lines which run parallel to the body, from snout to back of the head. The belly is dark grey to black.
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Though primarily diurnal, this species has been found active on warm and humid nights. After each breeding season pregnant females give birth to between 4-20 live young.
SIMILAR LOOKING SPECIES: EASTERN SMALL-EYED SNAKE, RED-BELLIED BLACK SNAKE
It’s important to realise that many species of snake can vary in colour, pattern and size. This often makes it very hard to make a positive identification of the snake. You should always assume that a snake is highly venomous, keep your family and pets at a safe distance and call a Gold Coast snake catcher.