Pale-headed Snake
Snakes of South East Queensland
Pale-headed Snake
Holocephalus bitorquatus
Other common names: None Known.
Species Profile
Significance to Humans:
Potentially Dangerous
One serious case with severe symptoms has been reported, after bite by a larger specimen. Apply correct first aid and seek medical attention.
General description:
Head relatively broad & distinct from neck. Normally grey to dark-grey with broad, pale grey or whitish band across back of head & neck, bordered behind with narrower dark or black band before body colour. Pale head area frequently has black blotches and lips may have black & pale bars. Belly pale grey. Midbody scales at 19-21 rows.
Average Length:
60-80cm.
Habitat in SE Qld:
Wide range of habitats but generally forests, often near watercourses.
General habits:
Good climber, partly arboreal. Shelters in tree hollows and under loose, peeling bark. Nocturnal, often foraging on rough-barked trees.
Diet:
Mainly frogs, also lizards & small mammals.
Local distribution:
Darling Downs & Toowoomba, Beaudesert, Esk & Brisbane Valley, Caboolture.
Around the home:
The Pale-headed Snake is rarely associated with suburban environs but it may utilise structures in rural and urban settings in proximity to favoured habitat.
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