Geographical Region

N. Australia ranging from the Kimberley Plateau in the West, across into the N. Territory and NE Queensland.

Habitat

It occurs in humid forests as well as dryland areas. This is a terrestrial, nocturnal snake, but has been observed hanging from cliffs catching bats.

Colour

Upper body is brown/red, paler along the flanks with a series of irregular spots/bars.

Size

Up to 1m (3ft 3inches), males grow to a little over 2 .5 ft

Captive Environment

24 x 18 x  15 for a single adult

36 x 18 x 15 for an adult pair.

We are currently keeping ours in a slightly humid (rainforest) environment, using Orchid bark or cypress bedding. Plenty of hides and plastic vegetation to hide in so the snake feels safe and secure. We give it a large water bowl to drink from and soak in.

Heating

A basking temperature of 86°F and a cooler end of 80°F is needed, with a night time drop down to 75°F. Use a reflector bulb to produce the daytime heat, and a heat mat under the substrate (1/3 size of the tank maximum) to allow for night time heating.

Lighting

The reflector bulb used for heating will provide enough light for the snakes to be active. They are crepuscular mainly active in the early morning, and early evening.

Photoperiod

Autumn/winter – 11 hours light – 13 hours dark.

Spring/summer – 13 hours light – 11 hours dark.

Feeding

These snakes should be fed appropriate sized rodents, nothing bigger than the snake at its thickest point.

Sexing

Males have a much longer, slender tail from the cloaca, females tail is a lot shorter but stumpier near the vent. Easiest way to sex them is to have an experienced keeper probe them

Shedding

Snakes periodically shed their skin, their colouration tends to become dull and they usually go off their food          during this time, and their eyesight is poor. Keep handling to a minimum during this time.