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Elapidae

Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake

Venomous

Cryptophis boschmai

Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake
Cryptophis boschmai, © Bethlea Bell
Carpentaria Small-eyed SnakeCarpentaria Small-eyed SnakeCarpentaria Small-eyed SnakeCarpentaria Small-eyed SnakeCarpentaria Small-eyed Snake

6 photographs of the Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake. © Bethlea Bell.

The Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake (Cryptophis boschmai) is a venomous snake in the Elapidae family, recorded in 2 countries.

If you are bitten

This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.

Family
Elapidae
Danger
high

About the Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake

Cryptophis boschmai, also known commonly as the Carpentaria snake or the Carpentaria whip snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to Australia and New Guinea.

Etymology

The specific epithet boschmai honours Dutch zoologist Hilbrand Boschma.

Description

The colouration of C. boschmai is tan to dark brown on the upper body, with a pale belly. It grows to a total length (including tail) of about 45 centimetres (18 in).

Behaviour

C. boschmai is terrestrial and nocturnal, sheltering during the day under bark, logs, and leaf litter.

Diet

C. boschmai preys upon small lizards.

Reproduction

The species C. boschmai is viviparous, with an average litter size of eight.

Geographic range and habitat

The distribution of C. boschmai in Australia extends from the northern part of the Cape York Peninsula, covering eastern Queensland as far south as the border with New South Wales, where it inhabits dry forests, woodlands, shrubland, and grasslands. The type locality is Merauke in southern New Guinea.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake

Is the Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake venomous?
Yes. The Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake (Cryptophis boschmai) is venomous and belongs to the Elapidae family (cobra, mamba, coral or sea snake). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.
Is the Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake dangerous?
This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.
Where does the Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake live?
The Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake has verified records in 2 countries, including Australia, Indonesia. See the distribution section below for its full range.
What does the Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake eat?
C. boschmai preys upon small lizards.
Why is it called the Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake?
The specific epithet boschmai honours Dutch zoologist Hilbrand Boschma.

If you are bitten by the Carpentaria Small-eyed Snake

A venomous snakebite is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately. In the US, dial 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Do

  • Get away from the snake and stay calm. Most bites worsen when people panic or try again to handle the snake.
  • Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) right away. Antivenom works best when given early.
  • Note the time of the bite and, from a safe distance, the snake's color and pattern, a phone photo is enough. Do not chase it.
  • Keep the bitten limb still and at roughly heart level. Sit or lie down and limit movement.
  • Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts.
  • Gently wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Do not

  • Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
  • Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
  • Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
  • Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, they can worsen bleeding. Acetaminophen is safer for pain.
  • Do not try to catch or kill the snake. A dead snake can still bite by reflex.

First-aid guidance adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC NIOSH), Venomous Snakes. Educational only; always follow the instructions of emergency responders.

Where it is found

AustraliaIndonesia

More Elapidae snakes

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
Squamata
FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
Elapidae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
Cryptophis
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
Cryptophis boschmai

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.