Mulga Snake
Pseudechis australis
One of Australia's largest snakes, the Mulga Snake is a robust, widespread elapid of arid and semi-arid country.
- Adult length
- 1.5-2.5 m (5-8 ft)
- Range
- Most of mainland Australia except the far southeast and southwest
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Overview
The Mulga Snake, also widely known as the king brown snake despite not being a true brown snake, is among the largest and most widely distributed snakes in Australia, occurring across nearly all arid and semi-arid regions of the mainland.
How to identify it
- Large, heavy-bodied snake with a broad head
- Coloration typically coppery-brown to olive, with each scale often edged in a darker color giving a reticulated appearance
- Smooth scales
- Round pupils, relatively small eyes for its head size
- Distinguished from true brown snakes by bulkier build and different scale pattern
Habitat & range
Occupies a wide range of habitats including arid scrubland, woodland, grassland, and rocky areas across most of mainland Australia, avoiding only the far southeast and southwest.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, though also active by day in cooler weather. Feeds on a broad diet including frogs, lizards, birds, mammals, and even other snakes. When alarmed, it flattens its neck and hisses loudly. Reproduces by egg-laying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mulga Snake a true brown snake?
No, despite the common name 'king brown,' it belongs to a different genus, Pseudechis, not the true brown snakes (Pseudonaja).
How big does it get?
It is one of the largest snakes in Australia, commonly reaching 2 meters or more.
What does it eat?
A wide variety of prey including frogs, lizards, birds, mammals, and other snakes.
Mulga Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Mulga Snake.
