Elapidae
North-western Shovel-nosed Snake
VenomousBrachyurophis approximans
The North-western Shovel-nosed Snake (Brachyurophis approximans) is a venomous snake in the Elapidae family, recorded in 1 country.
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 North-western Shovel-nosed Snake
Brachyurophis approximans, also known as the north-western shovel-nosed snake, is a species of mildly venomous burrowing snake that is endemic to Australia. The specific epithet approximans ("approaching") alludes to its similarity to Brachyurophis campbelli.
Description
The species grows to about 30 cm in length. There are some 50–80 dark brown bands along the body, much broader than the pale bands separating them. The belly is whitish.
Behaviour
The species is oviparous, with a clutch size of three. It feeds on reptile eggs.
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in the arid Pilbara and adjacent areas of north-west Western Australia, in stony soils vegetated with Acacia. The type locality is Muccan Station in the Pilbara.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: North-western Shovel-nosed Snake
- Is the North-western Shovel-nosed Snake venomous?
- Yes. The North-western Shovel-nosed Snake (Brachyurophis approximans) 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 North-western Shovel-nosed Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The North-western Shovel-nosed Snake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
- Is the North-western Shovel-nosed 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 North-western Shovel-nosed Snake live?
- The North-western Shovel-nosed Snake has verified records in 1 country, including Australia. See the distribution section below for its full range.
If you are bitten by the North-western Shovel-nosed Snake
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
More Elapidae snakes
Eastern Shovel-nosed SnakeBrachyurophis australis
Southern Shovel-nosed SnakeBrachyurophis semifasciatus
Narrow-banded Shovel-nosed SnakeBrachyurophis fasciolatus
Northern Shovel-nosed SnakeBrachyurophis roperi
Unbanded Shovel-nosed SnakeBrachyurophis incinctus
Cape York Shovel-nosed SnakeBrachyurophis campbelli
Arnhem Shovel-nosed SnakeBrachyurophis morrisi
Red-bellied Black SnakePseudechis porphyriacus
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
- Brachyurophis
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Brachyurophis approximans
Keep learning
- Are Snakes Dangerous? The Real Risk, in PerspectiveMost snakes are harmless and avoid people. Here is the honest picture of snakebite risk worldwide and how to lower your own.
- Snakebite First Aid: What to Do (and What Never to Do)A clear, CDC-based guide to snakebite first aid: the steps that help, the popular myths that hurt, and how to tell a serious bite from a minor one.
- Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
- What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.