Broad-headed Snake

Scientific name: Hoplocephalus bungaroides
  • Updated
    19/11/20
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Hoplocephalus bungaroides Click to enlarge image
A partial body image of a Broadheaded Snake looking aside from the photographer. It's tongue tastes the air. Image: R & A Williams
© Australian Museum

Fast Facts

  • Australian Federal Conservation Status
    Vulnerable
    NSW Conservation Status
    Endangered species
  • Classification
    Genus
    Hoplocephalus
    Species
    bungaroides
    Family
    Elapidae
    Suborder
    Serpentes
    Order
    Squamata
    Subclass
    Lepidosauria
    Class
    Reptilia
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    50 cm - 90 cm

Introduction

The Broad-headed Snake occupies sandstone habitats in Sydney.

Identification

The Broad-headed Snake is black with numerous yellow markings arranged in irregular, narrow crossbands

Habitat

The Broad-headed Snake lives on sandstone heath.

Distribution

The Broad-headed Snake is found in the Sydney Basin and throughout a 250 km radius from Sydney.

Feeding and diet

Lizards and frogs form a major part of the Broad-headed Snake's diet.

Life history cycle

The Broad-headed Snake may give birth to 8 - 20 live young at a time.

Conservation status

Once quite common in the area, the Broad-headed Snake is currently listed as endangered in New South Wales and vulnerable under Commonwealth legislation. Aside from the loss of habitat through increasing urbanisation, it is also under threat from the removal of bush rock for landscaping. Bush rock removal impacts on sheltering and foraging sites for the snake and also results in loss of habitat for its prey.

Danger to humans

The Broad-headed Snake is a moderately sized species of venomous snake and is potentially dangerous.