Identification
Mitchell’s Short-tailed Snake, Rhinoplocephalus nigriceps is a brown snake with an undivided dark head patch joining a dark vertebral stripe, a white belly and white lips. It has 15 rows of mid-body scales, a single anal scale and 15-40 single subcaudal scales. It can grow to a total length of up to 60 cm.
This snake may be confused with a juvenile Brown Snake, however a juvenile Brown Snake has a dark collar.
Mitchell’s Short-tailed Snake
Photographer: Peter Robertson / Source: Wildlife Profiles Pty Ltd
Distribution and habitat
The Mitchell’s Short-tailed Snake occurs in the north-western and north-central areas of Victoria, in mallee and saltbush environments.
Biology and bite
Active at night, its diet consists of small lizards. Females give birth to as many as 7 live young.
The Mitchell’s Short-tailed Snake is not considered dangerous to adults. If bitten on a limb, apply a pressure bandage, immobilise the limb and seek medical advice immediately. If bitten elsewhere, apply continual direct pressure to the bite site. Do not wash the wound as the venom can confirm the identification of the snake.
Further Reading
Coventry, A. J. and Robertson, P. 1991. The Snakes of Victoria – A Guide to their Identification. Department of Conservation & Environmen. /Museum of Victoria.
Cogger, H. 2000. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed Books.
Wilson, S. & Swan, G. 2003. Reptiles of Australia. Princeton University Press.