large snake wrapped around a tree branch

Significance to Humans:

Non-Venomous

They are an inoffensive species and will generally duck for cover if they feel threatened. They don’t bite very often either. If handled roughly or feel threatened they will emit a strong odor from the cloaca.

General description:

Sleek slender body with long, very thin tail. Distinctive ridge extends along outer edges of belly making shed skins easily identifiable. This species has one of the widest colour ranges out of all Australian snake species ranging from green, olive, brown & black to rare blue-grey on upper body. Belly yellow or creamy, with bright yellow present on throat. Some specimens with blue or grey belly but generally maintain the yellow coloration above the ventral ridges. Skin between the scales when spread show as a light sky blue especially after consuming a meal larger than its body diameter or when defensive. Eye appears large comparative to head. Midbody scales at 11 -13 rows (rarely 15). They grow on average to around 1.2 metres but specimens just under 2 metres have been recorded. They are active during the day and will predominantly eat frogs and skinks.

Around the home:

Probably the most common species to enter homes due to their slender size and ability to fit through small gaps. This species can be found in almost all suburbs and habitats around the Sunshine Coast. They are often found in above ground environments such as heavy foliage of trees and shrubs, exposed beams of verandas and pergolas, sheds and garages. Fast-moving and hard to see in heavy cover. Have exploited the abundant supply of Asian house Geckoes, high densities of skinks and presence of frogs in continually watered localities associated with suburban environments thus accounting for there frequency around homes.