'Visiting' snake identified

Sunday, 18 May 2008 11:04

This snake, found among the plants of a Chester Street home of a Thursday Island resident, has been identified by the Queensland Museum as a Slaty Grey Snake (Stegonotus Cucullatus).

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They are described as defensive and pugnacious and will strike repeatedly but lack venom, with frogs one of their favourite meals.

It was identified by Andrew Amey and Patrick Couper, of the Queensland Museum.

This also lays to rest the widely held belief that there are no snakes on Thursday Island.

Patrick Couper, Curator of Reptiles, says the snake is a Slaty Grey Snake, Stegonotus cucullatus, (p250 of your Wildlife of Tropical North Queensland Guide). 

Another species, Stegonotus parvus, as it is known, is from Murray Island.  However, it is a poorly known species and not known on Thursday Island and which can only be reliably distinguished from S. cucullatus by its teeth.

Although neither species are considered venomous, Mark O’Shea in his book on "The Snakes Of Papua New Guinea" states that they will bite and chew vigorously.  This has resulted in "localised redness and pain" around the bite site, suggesting toxic saliva.

"As with all snakes, they are best left alone," Mr Couper said.

The resident says he regularly finds snakes in his yard.

"I once found one taking a drink out of the dog’s water bowl. The cats regularly bring in small ones."