Eastern Small-Eyed Snake
Cryptophis nigrescens
A small, glossy black nocturnal elapid widespread along the eastern Australian coast and ranges.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.6 m (1.3-2 ft)
- Range
- Eastern Australia from Cape York, Queensland to Victoria
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Overview
The Eastern Small-Eyed Snake is a small, glossy, dark-colored elapid found across a broad swath of eastern Australia, from tropical Queensland to temperate Victoria. Its name refers to its notably small eyes.
Despite its modest size, its venom has been linked to serious medical effects in rare cases involving multiple bites, making it a species of some medical importance.
How to identify it
- Glossy black to dark grey body, sometimes with a faint purplish sheen
- Cream to pinkish-orange belly
- Small eyes relative to head size, giving the species its name
- Smooth scales
- Round pupil
- Distinguished from other small dark elapids by its glossy sheen and small eye size
Habitat & range
Found in a wide variety of habitats including rainforest, wet and dry eucalypt forest, woodland, and rocky outcrops along the eastern Australian coast and adjacent ranges.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal, sheltering under rocks, logs, and bark by day. Feeds primarily on small lizards, particularly skinks, which it subdues with its venom. Gives birth to live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Eastern Small-Eyed Snake dangerous?
Yes, it is venomous, and while bites are rarely severe, multiple bites have occasionally caused serious effects.
Why is it called 'small-eyed'?
It has notably small eyes relative to its head size compared to related species.
Where is it found?
Widely across eastern Australia, from Cape York to Victoria, in forests and rocky areas.
What does it eat?
Mainly small lizards such as skinks.
Eastern Small-Eyed Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Eastern Small-Eyed Snake.
