Black-backed Hooded Snake

Mallee black-backed snakes measure from 16 to 53 cm, with an average snout-vent length (SVL) of about 33 cm and a tail length between 9 and 15% SVL. The head and the nape are a glossy black color with a continuous, broad black vertebral stripe along the back, about five scales wide that extend to the tail. The lateral scales are pale brown with a black or reddish-brown base and the lips and the ventral surface are cream or white. The scale color deepens towards the vertebral stripe along the back of the snake, creating a blending effect. This species has smooth scales in 15 rows at mid-body, ventral scales ranging from 147-175 and subcaudal scales ranging between 18-35.

Mallee black-backed snakes are found throughout southern mainland Australia across New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. The species is widespread and is one of the most common snakes in southern Australia, found in coastal dune, heath, and semi-arid habitats including mallee, banksia and jarrah woodlands. Mallee black-backed snakes preferred habitats are temperate semi-arid plains, slopes and ranges in woodlands and hummock grasslands.

Mallee black-backed snakes are a nocturnal, terrestrial (ground-dwelling) species, described as docile. Within their environment, the species takes shelter under fallen timber, rocks, deep leaf litter, in soil cracks and abandoned animal burrows. Mallee black-backed snakes are carnivores and tend to feed on small skinks and geckos at night. They are also known to hunt other small snakes who compete for similar prey, small mammals and frogs and have been known to hunt their species. When killing their prey, elapids use venom and constriction, holding onto their victims for a short period after striking to ensure enough venom enters the prey. This is because their fangs are shorter and do not deliver venom as efficiently as viperids.