Black-Naped Snake
Neelaps bimaculatus
A slender burrowing elapid identified by a distinctive black patch on the back of the neck, native to southern Australia.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 25-40 cm (10-16 in)
- Range
- Southern Australia
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Overview
The Black-Naped Snake is a small, secretive elapid found across southern Australia, named for the dark patch present on the nape of its neck. It is a fossorial species adapted to life in sandy and loamy soils.
It is rarely seen due to its burrowing habits, typically surfacing only at night or after rainfall.
How to identify it
- Slender body, pale cream to light brown overall
- Distinctive black or dark brown patch on the nape (back of neck)
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Small head not clearly distinct from the neck
- Round pupils
- The nape patch reliably distinguishes it from similar pale burrowing elapids
Habitat & range
Occurs in sandy heath, mallee scrub, and woodland with loose soils across southern Australia. Spends most time underground or beneath surface debris, rarely encountered in the open.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and fossorial, hunting small reptiles including skinks underground. Oviparous, laying small clutches in moist subsurface locations.
Frequently asked questions
What is distinctive about the Black-Naped Snake?
It has a dark patch on the back of its neck, giving rise to its common name.
Is it venomous?
Yes, mildly venomous, but it poses little threat to humans given its burrowing lifestyle.
Where is it found?
In sandy habitats across southern Australia.
What does it eat?
Primarily small skinks and other reptiles.
Black-Naped Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Black-Naped Snake.
