Pale-headed Snake

(Holocephalus bitorquatus)

Other common names: None Known.

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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