Cacophis harriettae
VENOM: Weakly venomous, bites may require medical assistance.
SIZE: Growing to 60cm, (Avg 30cm)
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION: White Crowned Snakes are considered a common snake throughout the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Scenic Rim however they are not frequently encountered due to their predominantly nocturnal nature.
HABITAT: The White Crowned Snake is the more common in wetter, humid areas where ground cover is thick.These snakes have been recorded in dry sclerophyll forests, rock outcrops, open woodlands and humid areas bordering rainforests.
White Crowned Snakes are occasionally encountered sheltering beneath rocks, logs and other ground lying debris including man-made rubbish. Well-watered, natural gardens with thick leaf litter provide White Crowned Snakes with the perfect transition between bush to suburbia, especially in hinterland residences.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: White Crowned Snakes are a glossy black to grey colouration on top with a very distinct white ‘crown’ marking on their head. This crown-like marking runs along the snakes face and joins in a band over the snakes’ nape. The belly is black or dark grey.
ADDITIONAL NOTES: After each breeding season, pregnant females lay between 2 to 12 eggs. White Crown’s threat display is to raise their head and frequently bluff bite – with their mouths closed – to deter potential threats.
SIMILAR LOOKING SPECIES: DWARF CROWNED SNAKE, GOLDEN CROWNED 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.