Snakes World

True to its name, the brown snakes are dark brown to grayish brown in color. It generally has a broad light stripe bordered by dark spots down the back. They usually have two rows of dark spots, sometimes linked, along the back and a dark streak down the side of the head. These two rows of dark spots fade as they go towards the tail. Dark bars may connect the spots, giving the impression of a ladder-like pattern. The area within this pattern is usually lighter in color than the sides. The belly is light brown to white. A series of tiny black dots are often present along each side of the belly.

Natural Background: “Brown snake” is the common name given to a number of different species of snakes. The Australian snakes belong to the genus Pseudonaja while the North American snakes belong to the genus Storeia. There are again two sub-species in the Australian brown snakes—Elapognathus minor and Pseudechis australis. The Australian little brown belongs to the former and the Australian king brown snakes belong to the latter species. In spite of these species, there are other sub-species present as well like the Midland and the Northern.

Distribution and Habitat: Brown snakes are found throughout the eastern US, but are absent from high elevations in the Mountains. In the Coastal Plain this species is most common in wet areas such as cypress swamp edges and wetland margins. These are also found in a variety of wild habitats such as wetlands, grasslands and forests, they are most often encountered in urban or residential areas. The Midland Brown Snake is found statewide, while the Northern Brown Snake is only found in the northeast corner of the state. Both species are considered abundant within their respective ranges. Brown snakes can adapt to different types of habitats. They prefer moist, open prairies and meadows. They are frequently found in residential areas, and are often the most abundant snake urbanized habitats. These can also sometimes be found in gardens feeding upon slugs and snails, thus benefiting a potentially frustrated gardener.

Predation: Brown snakes take earthworms and slugs as the preferred foods; however, they will also take sow bugs, insects, spiders, small fish and small frogs. They are active during the daytime in spring and fall, but are primarily nocturnal during the summer.

Venom: Brown snakes are highly venomous and are found in mainland Australia. They have highly potent venom and can cause severe envenoming (envenomation) of humans. They are the leading cause of snakebites and snakebite deaths in Australia at present. Envenoming (envenomation) can cause defibrination kidney damage kidney failure. Their venom contains neurotoxins which acause paralysis and muscle weaknesses. Medical researches also tell that their venom contains some toxins called procoagulants that interfere with blood clotting outing the victims to major bleeding. Brown snake procoagulants are amongst the most powerful snake venom procoagulants known. They rarely bite but, like most snakes, will release musk from their anal glands when alarmed.

Brown snakes are reptiles but are different in their own way from the pythons, rattle, water, coral, the copperhead, and the cobra snake. They are poisonous. The brown snake is not the largest snake. See the pictures of snakes above for an appreciation of their beauty. For more information on the biggest snake, see the home page.