Mulga Snake
Pseudechis australis
One of Australia's largest venomous snakes, the Mulga Snake is a robust, widespread elapid capable of delivering a large volume of venom.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- 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 venomous snakes in Australia, occurring across nearly all arid and semi-arid regions of the mainland.
While its venom is less toxic per bite than some other Australian elapids, its large size allows it to inject substantial quantities, making bites medically significant.
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. Can be defensive, flattening its neck and hissing loudly when threatened. Reproduces by egg-laying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mulga Snake venomous?
Yes, it is venomous and can deliver a large volume of venom due to its size.
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 venomous 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.
