Northern Dwarf Crowned Snake
Cacophis churchilli
A small, rarely observed crowned snake restricted to the wet tropics of far north Queensland, distinguished by its pale head marking.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.25-0.4 m (0.8-1.3 ft)
- Range
- Northeastern Queensland, Australia (wet tropics region)
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The Northern Dwarf Crowned Snake occupies a limited range in the rainforests of tropical northeastern Queensland. It is one of four Cacophis species, all sharing a dark body and pale crown-like head band.
This species is secretive and seldom encountered, spending most of its life underground or beneath surface debris in humid rainforest habitats.
How to identify it
- Small, glossy dark brown to black body
- Pale crown-shaped marking across the head and nape
- Smooth scales
- Short, blunt head
- Round pupil
- Adults generally under 35-40 cm
- Distinguished from other Cacophis species mainly by geographic range and subtle scalation differences
Habitat & range
Restricted to the wet tropics of northeastern Queensland, inhabiting rainforest and adjacent moist forest types. Shelters beneath logs, rocks, and leaf litter in consistently humid conditions.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and fossorial. Feeds mainly on small skinks found in the leaf litter layer. Reproduces via egg-laying, depositing small clutches in moist, protected sites.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Northern Dwarf Crowned Snake dangerous?
It is mildly venomous but poses negligible risk to humans.
Where does the Northern Dwarf Crowned Snake occur?
It is restricted to the wet tropics of northeastern Queensland, Australia.
What does the Northern Dwarf Crowned Snake eat?
It preys on small skinks living in rainforest leaf litter.
How do you recognize a Northern Dwarf Crowned Snake?
Look for a small dark rainforest snake with a pale crown-like band on its head.
Northern Dwarf Crowned Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Northern Dwarf Crowned Snake.
