Müller's snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Müller's snake |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Rhinoplocephalus
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| Species: |
bicolor
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The Müller's snake, also known as the square-nosed snake, is a special kind of snake. Its scientific name is Rhinoplocephalus bicolor. This snake is the only species in its group, or genus, called Rhinoplocephalus.
Müller's snake belongs to the family of snakes known as Elapidae. These snakes are found only in the southwestern part of Australia.
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Where Müller's Snakes Live
Müller's snakes live in the southern coastal areas of Western Australia. You can find them from a town called Esperance in the east, all the way to west of Walpole.
These snakes usually prefer wet, swampy areas. They like places with low bushes and open forests. Sometimes, they even share their homes with another snake called the short-nosed snake. Interestingly, Müller's snakes are often found living in old nests made by stick-ants.
What Müller's Snakes Look Like
Müller's snakes are quite small. Male snakes are usually about 34.6 centimeters long from their snout to their tail. Female snakes are a bit shorter, averaging about 32.8 centimeters.
Adult snakes have an orange-brown color on their backs. Their sides are orange-red, and this color fades to a pale cream on their bellies. Some snakes can even be bright orange all over their backs!
Baby Müller's snakes look very different. When they are born, their backs are blue, and their sides are yellow. Their colors change as they grow older.
What Müller's Snakes Eat
Müller's snakes are special eaters. They mostly eat other reptiles, especially skinks. Skinks are a type of lizard.
They hunt skinks from groups like Ctenotus, Hemiergis, and Morethia.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Müller's snakes give birth to live young. This is different from many snakes that lay eggs. This way of having babies is called ovoviviparous. It is common for some snakes that live in colder parts of Australia.
Female snakes carrying babies have been found in October and January. This suggests they have a similar breeding pattern to other snakes in southern Australia. Müller's snakes usually have small litters, meaning they have only a few babies at a time. A female snake will typically give birth to between one and five offspring.
Are Müller's Snakes Dangerous?
Müller's snakes are mildly venomous. This means they do have venom, but a bite from a Müller's snake is generally not dangerous to humans.
