Marsh Snake
(Hemiaspis signata)
Mildly Venomous
Other common names: Black-bellied Swamp Snake, Swamp Snake and Grass Snake.
Bites from this species have been known to cause severe local symptoms such as pain & swelling, with more general reactions such as headaches and nausea also recorded. All bites should still be treated immediately and attended to with correct first aid.
General description: Fairly uniform brown, olive or black above with dark grey or black belly surface. Two prominent narrow pale-yellowish stripes on each side of face, one running from snout, through eye and onto neck area, & one below eye running from snout to corner of mouth. In juveniles the head is often darker than the body. Scales smooth. Midbody scales at 17 rows.
Average Length: 50cm with occasional specimens nearing 70cm.
Habitat in SE Qld: Rainforest & moist well-vegetated areas such as wet sclerophyll forest, margins of creeks, dams, wetlands & low-lying seasonally flooded areas.
General habits: Diurnal, although may also be active at night in hot weather. Shelters under rocks, sheets of bark and thick debris.
Diet: Small frogs and lizards.
Local distribution: Found in a “moister” suburbs usually with riparian habitats nearby.
Around the home: May be found in damp or moist gardens under timber, sheets of iron & foraging amongst thick vegetation.
Visit our Snake safety around the home pages along with our Snakes around the garden pages provide further valuable information when considering this species and its potential presence around your property.
Trio of Verreaux’s Skinks
Our Catcher Removed a Trio of Skinks
The Verreaux’s Skink is often mistaken for a snake as they have a slender body and slither. The head, visible ears and tiny remnant legs are the best ways to distinguish them from snakes. We recommend getting in contact with a snake service if you are unsure for identification and removal. This trio was relocated by our snake catcher.
Learn more about this species here
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