Significance to Humans:
Bites from this species have caused human fatalities. Reclusive disposition but will inflate and flatten the body and neck in an effort to intimidate a perceived aggressor. Bites from this species should be treated immediately and attended to with correct first aid.
General description:
Brown to olive with narrow, irregular cross-bands or blotches of darker brown. Belly surfaces greenish-grey or olive-cream often with darker blotches. Midbody scales have a raised keel or carinated appearance. Coloration and scale structure has led to some confusion with the non venomous Keelback Snake (Tropidonophis mairii) which differs in having a loreal scale present and usually more defined keels on each scale. Midbody scales at 23 rows.
Average Length:
70cm but one specimen found locally measured 1m.
Habitat in SE Qld:
Predominately moist areas within forest at altitude although small populations may persist in some moist lowland localities.
General habits:
Active both day and night. Ready climber in low foliage.
Diet:
Variety of small vertebrates; frogs, lizards, small mammals, birds. Generally forages at ground level but will climb to take prey.
Local distribution:
More commonly encountered in hinterland and wetter suburbs such as Forest Glen, Tanawha, Doonan, Eumundi and Mooloolah Valley.
Around the home:
Encounters with a Rough-scaled Snake around the home have been recorded by a local snake handler servicing the Doonan and Tanawah areas. Could be typically associated with ground refuge such as timber piles, sheet iron, rock walls and heavy vegetation. The climbing ability of the species may see it utilise roof cavities in search of geckoes and frogs.