Types of marsh snakes

Hemiaspis is a small genus of Australian snakes in the family Elapidae, the same front-fanged family that includes cobras, taipans, and sea snakes. The genus holds just two recognized species, the Marsh Snake (Hemiaspis signata) and the Grey Snake (Hemiaspis damelii). Both are modest, slender snakes of eastern Australia, and like all elapids they carry fixed front fangs and produce venom. They are far less famous than their large relatives, but they fill the role of small ground predators in wet, low-lying habitats.

As the common names suggest, these snakes favor moist environments. They are typically found in marshes, swamp edges, damp grasslands, floodplains, and the vegetated margins of creeks and wetlands across eastern Australia. They are generally small and dark to grey or olive in color, often with paler facial markings in the Marsh Snake, which can show fine light lines along the side of the head. They are usually active by day or in mild conditions, shelter under debris, logs, and ground cover, and feed mainly on frogs and small lizards such as skinks. Reproduction in the genus is live-bearing, which is common among Australian elapids.

Both Hemiaspis species are venomous, as is true of all elapids, and a wild snake should never be handled. These are small snakes and are not considered among Australia's deadly species, but any bite from a venomous snake can cause local pain and reaction, and individual responses vary. Do not rely on size or reputation to judge risk. If anyone is bitten, treat it as a medical emergency, keep the person calm and still, and seek professional care immediately by calling local emergency services. In the United States, Poison Control is reachable at 1-800-222-1222. The right response to any of these snakes in the wild is to leave it alone and give it space.