9 Brown Snake Species Hiding in a Leaf Pile Near You
Brown snakes are some of the most common and diverse reptiles in the world. They come in a variety of sizes and levels of venomous potency, making them a group of wild snakes that’s both interesting and important to study.
While the moniker "brown snake" might make them sound simple, these snakes can be anything but. From the highly venomous species of Australia to the more mild-mannered snakes in North America, brown snakes play crucial, complex roles in their ecosystems.
Despite their generally unassuming appearance, brown snakes are highly adaptable and live in a wide range of habitats, from forests and grasslands to urban areas. Let’s explore nine different species of brown snakes and what makes each one unique.
1. Eastern Brown Snake
The eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis), often called the common brown snake, is one of the most venomous snakes in not only Australia but also the entire world. This fast and aggressive snake lives throughout eastern Australia and parts of Papua New Guinea.
Eastern brown snakes vary in color from light brown to dark brown, and their venom is extremely potent, affecting the nervous system and blood coagulation. Despite their fearsome reputation, these snakes are vital in controlling rodent populations.
The term "common brown snake" can actually refer to various species in Australia — depending on the region — but people frequently use it to refer to the eastern brown snake, due to its prevalence. As one of the country's most common and widely distributed venomous snakes, it's responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities in Australia.
2. Western Brown Snake (Australia)
The western brown snake (Pseudonaja nuchalis), also known as the gwardar, is another highly venomous Australian snake species. It lives across much of Australia’s arid and semiarid regions. Unlike the eastern brown snake, the western brown snake has a more variable coloration, ranging from light to dark brown, and even orange or reddish hues.
These snakes are known for the speed with which they strike and then retreat. Although they aren't as aggressive as eastern brown snakes, western brown snakes still have a bite that is life-threatening, making them one of the most challenging Australian snakes to encounter in the wild.
3. Northern Brown Snake
The northern brown snake (Storeria dekayi), also known as Dekay’s brown snake, is a small, nonvenomous snake species native to North America and Central America. It’s commonly found in gardens, forests and urban areas, making it one of the most abundant snakes in its range.
Northern brown snakes are typically light to dark brown with small, dark spots and a lighter underside. They primarily feed on earthworms, slugs and other small invertebrates, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.
4. Western Brown Snake (United States)
The western brown snake of the United States (Storeria dekayi wrightorum) refers to a subspecies of the northern brown snake living in the western part of its range, particularly in the southwestern United States. This small, nonvenomous snake is similar in appearance to its northern relatives, with a brown or grayish-brown body and a lighter belly.
Western brown snakes thrive in moist environments, such as near streams or in gardens, where they feed on small snails by pulling the invertebrates out of their shells.
5. Texas Brown Snake
The Texas brown snake (Storeria dekayi texana) is a subspecies of the northern brown snake that lives primarily in the southern United States, particularly in Texas. This small, nonvenomous snake is usually dark brown with a lighter stripe running down its back and dark spots around its eyes.
Texas brown snakes often seek shelter under logs, rocks and debris, where they hunt for insects, slugs and other small prey. Despite their small size and unassuming appearance, these snakes are important for controlling pest populations in their habitats.
6. King Brown Snake
Despite its name, the king brown snake (Pseudechis australis), also known as the mulga snake, is not a true brown snake but rather belongs to the black snake family. Living throughout Australia, the king brown snake is one of the largest venomous snakes in the country. It features a wide range of colorations, from brown to copper to olive, with two-toned scales that make it appear reticulated.
The king brown snake’s venom is less toxic than that of the eastern brown snake, but its large venom yield makes it still highly dangerous. This snake is known for its powerful build and adaptability to various habitats, from deserts to coastal regions.
7. Strap-Snouted Brown Snake
The strap-snouted brown snake (Pseudonaja aspidorhyncha) is another venomous species that lives in Australia. It is closely related to the eastern and western brown snakes, but you can distinguish it by its chisel-shaped snout. Its coloring can be brown or gray, potentially with reddish tones.
Strap-snouted brown snakes live in south central Australia across a variety of habitats. Like other snakes in the Pseudonaja genus, they possess potent venom, making them dangerous but crucial to their ecosystems.
8. Eastern Smooth Earth Snake
People often mistake the eastern smooth earth snake (Virginia valeriae), which is not a true brown snake, for one due to its brownish coloration. This small, nonvenomous snake lives in the eastern United States and prefers leaf cover or loose, sandy soils where it can burrow.
Eastern smooth earth snakes are usually light to dark brown with a smooth, glossy appearance. They are shy snakes that primarily feed on earthworms and other small invertebrates, making them beneficial to gardens and forests alike.
9. Brown Tree Snake
The brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) is an invasive species in Guam but is native to Australia and parts of Papua New Guinea. This mildly venomous snake is known for its climbing abilities and its impact on bird populations in Guam, where it has caused significant ecological damage.
Brown tree snakes are typically light to dark brown with darker crossbands, and they are nocturnal, often living in trees or hiding in crevices during the day. Despite its invasive status in some regions, the brown tree snake is an important predator in its native range.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.
Original article: 9 Brown Snake Species Hiding in a Leaf Pile Near You
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