Parasuta dwyeri (Dwyer's Black-headed Snake)

View map

Elapid

Dwyer’s Black-headed Snake is one of ten species of hooded and curl snakes found in Australia. It has a number of common names, Dwyer's snake, Whip Snake and Variable Black-naped Snake. It has undergone many name changes: Denisonia dwyeri, Unechis dwyeri, Suta dwyeri, Suta spectabilis dwyeri and Parasuta dwyeri.

It is a secretive, nocturnal snake that seeks shelter under rocks, debris, and ground litter, and may make its home in burrows made and abandoned by other creatures. Open woodlands and grassland areas are its typical habitat. It feeds mainly on small lizards. It grows to about 35 cm.

Distribution: Rarely observed. There are a number of historical ACT records likely due to intensive surveying.

Parasuta dwyeri is listed in the following regions:

Canberra & Southern Tablelands