Eastern Brown Snake
(Pseudonaja texitilis)
Image Copyright Cogger, 1992.
Description: Roughly five feet in length and similar
in appearance to the black snakes. Almost infinite variation among
hatchling patterns, though much of this variation disappears with age as
most adults are uniform dark tan to light brown. Another species,
nuchalis, the Western Brown Snake, looks similar to its eastern
cousin, except it has a variable pattern on its body.
Distribution: Occupies the eastern part of Australia
with populations interspersed throughout central Australia. Pseudonaja
nuchalis, the Western Brown Snake, occupies the much of the Western
half of Australia, with the exception of the southernmost coastal regions,
and its distribution even encroaches into the East.
Habit: Both species are swift, diurnal snake that
feeds primarily on small mammals and reptiles. Found in a vast array
of habitats and frequently found in populated areas. Very common
and often aggressive. Even though its average venom yield is low
(2 mg) oweing to its small fangs, and it has tendency to strike with its
mouth closed, Brown Snakes are responsible for the few snakebite deaths
that occur every year in Australia. Venom is highly toxic and can
result in sudden collapse or unconsciousness. The active component,
textilon is a beta-neurotoxin with a LD50 of 0.6 ug / kg.
Death results from respiratory paralysis. Oviparous, with a clutch
size of 10-35 eggs.
