Western brown snake
| Pseudonaja nuchalis | |
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| A western brown snake at the Australia Zoo | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Pseudonaja |
| Species: | P. nuchalis |
| Binomial name | |
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Pseudonaja nuchalis Günther, 1858 |
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Pseudonaja nuchalis, commonly known as the western brown snake or gwardar, is a species of very fast, highly venomous elapid snake native to Australia. Its colour and pattern are rather variable, depending largely on its location. Some experts assert that the western brown's wide variation in appearance and extensive distribution mean that the western brown species in fact covers multiple related, but separate species with three derivative species now officially recognised, P. nuchalis, P. aspidorhyncha, and P. mengdeni.
The name "gwardar" is an aboriginal name meaning "go the long way around". While it is a cautious and shy snake, trying to escape before attacking, they will defend themselves when cornered. So, the aboriginal name is actually advice for those who come across the snake in the wild: "going the long way around" is the best course of action.
The western brown snake grows up to 1.8 m (5.9 ft) in total length (including tail). Its back can feature shades of orange-brown with flecks and bands, or appear plain. Its belly is cream to orange with pink blotches. Some individuals have jet black heads (this can cause it to be confused with the black-headed python), while others feature a black 'V' shape on the back of their neck, below their head.
The western brown has a wide distribution and is found across most of the Australian continent, including all of the Northern Territory, as well as most of Queensland, Western Australia, and some of Victoria.
The western brown is a ground dwelling snake which prefers drier habitats but is also found in coastal eucalypt forests, woodlands, and grasslands. Although the western brown is not an arboreal species, it is not uncommon for it to climb small shrubs or trees. It also hides in crevices and under rocks, and in urban areas can be found under rubbish or tin piles.
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Wikipedia