Search AROD:
AROD > Reptiles / Squamata / Elapidae / Pseudonaja / Northern brown snake

<- Pseudonaja textilis ->   <- Pseudonaja modesta ->  

Northern brown snake

northern brown snake (Pseudonaja nuchalis)
Juvenile animal - Katherine, Northern Territory
Photo © Stewart Macdonald
Pseudonaja nuchalis - Günther, 1858
Pronunciation  SUE-doh-NAY-ah   new-KAHL-iss
Etymology  Pseudonaja: 'false Naja', after a genus of cobra.
nuchalis: 'neck-marked'1.
Other names  Western brown snake
 
 
Total length
Species avg: 160 cm
Species max: 180 cm
Reproduction
Oviparous
Clutch size
Average: 12
Range: 9 - 38
Length and clutch size information comes from a variety of sources, but primarily from Shine (1991) and Cogger (2000).
Description Distribution Natural history Conservation Further information More photos

Description

Similar species

Eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) - lacks the strap-like rostral scale.
Western brown snake (Pseudonaja mengdeni) - typically has fewer dorsal scale rows at the level of the first ventral (17-24 rows) and one head length posterior to the occiput (17-19 rows) than P. nuchalis; snout is rounded in P. mengdeni, chisel-shaped in P. nuchalis2
Shield-snouted brown snake (Pseudonaja aspidorhyncha) - has pale whitish grey mouth lining2

Taxonomic notes

Skinner et al. (2005) recognised three distinct clades:3

  • Darwin
  • Southern
  • Orange with black head

Scale count information


Dorsal scales at midbody   17 to 19
Ventrals   180 to 230 with a divided anal scale
Subcaudals   50 to 70 and are divided
Other scale information   6 lower labial scales.
Danger rating   Dangerously venomous.
Note: even a bite from a 'virtually harmless' or non-venomous reptile can result in serious complications. Play it safe and don't get bitten by anything.
Notes and disclaimer
This information may not be complete. While all care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this page, primary sources should always be consulted for definitive information. Animals have an endearing habit of disobeying the rules, so the information on this page should be interpreted with a degree of flexibility.
The author and site operator accepts no responsibility for any losses or damages incurred through using this web site or the information contained herein. Don't get bitten by anything!
This page may be cited as:
  Pseudonaja nuchalis at the Australian Reptile Online Database. Last updated 2017-02-24 09:06:57.
  Retrieved from http://arod.com.au/arod/?species=Pseudonaja+nuchalis on the 29th of March, 2024.
Before citing information contained in AROD, please read our Citing AROD page.

Copyright notice
This page, its content and layout are copyright © 2007-2024 Stewart Macdonald / Ug Media, unless otherwise stated.
All photographs in The Australian Reptile Online Database are © the photographer and may not be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the photographer.
No part of The Australian Reptile Online Database may be reproduced without written permission from Stewart Macdonald.
Home
AROD | Reptile Info | About | Contact | In the wild | Reviews