Geoff Jacobs > Snake Catcher > Identify Australian Snakes

COLUBRID SNAKE

Family COLUBRIDAE

NON- VENOMOUS

Description:

The Keelback derives it's name from the keel shape of the scales on it's back. The eye is large with a round pupil. The head is slightly distinct from it's robust body. It's colour ranges from brown, olive, grey, black and gold. The edges of the scales are often darker in colour which gives the snake a speckled or unevenly striped appearance. The underbelly can be cream, brown or green usually with a reddish tinge along the sides. The Keelback has a loreal scale which distinguishes it from the highly venomous Rough-scaled Snake (Tropidechis carinatus).

Size:

Adults 50 - 100 cm

Behaviour:

The Keelback has the unusual ability to discard it's tail like a lizard as a means of escape from predators. This snake is either nocturnal or diurnal and semi-aquatic. When threatened, the Keelback will emit a pungent odour from it's anal glands, adopts an intimidating S-shaped stance, flattens it's head and strikes readily.

Prey:

Mainly frogs and tadpoles as well as small lizards, fish and cane toads..

Reproduction:

Females lay up to 15 eggs.

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Page Updated: 27 February, 2006 7:41 AM