Fauna
Reptile

Golden-crowned Snake

Cacophis squamulosus

Golden-crowned snakes emerge from deep leaf litter and sandstone crevices at dusk to hunt sleeping skinks in the moist forests of eastern Australia. When threatened, they rear up into an impressive S-bend display and strike aggressively with a closed mouth to bluff potential threats. Despite belonging to the venomous elapid family, their venom is mild and adapted specifically for subduing small ectothermic prey.

NocturnalReptileSecretive
Golden-crowned Snake reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyGarden Skink, Marbled Gecko, Reptile eggs
Predators
  • Laughing Kookaburra
  • Feral Cat
  • Red-bellied Black Snake
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, predation by feral and domestic cats, road mortality
HabitatsRainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, rocky escarpments, suburban gardens
Life span8–12 years
Classification
  1. FamilyElapidae
  2. GenusCacophis
  3. SpeciesCacophis squamulosus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskVery high
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is very high
Possesses mild venom; bites may cause localized swelling, so observe without handling.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses mild elapid neurotoxins delivered via small fixed front fangs, causing localized pain, swelling, and redness rather than systemic toxicity.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by a grey to dark brown body and a prominent yellowish-orange band that encircles the snout and sweeps around to the nape.
What to do
Maintain a respectful distance of at least two paces and never grasp or pin the snake.
Responsible observation
  • Garden safety: Inspect compost piles and damp leaf litter before clearing them with bare hands.
  • Night spotting: Search moist forest walking trails with a gentle flashlight beam after summer rains.
  • Bluff display: Give cornered snakes space to retreat, as mock strikes are their primary defense.
Related species
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