Hemiaspis signata (Jan, 1859)

Common Names

Hemiaspis signata has two common names: the black-bellied swamp snake and the marsh snake.

Endemic Range

This species is a venomous elapid snake that is endemic to Australia, found only along the country’s east coast.

Facial Markings

It can be recognized by two distinct narrow white lines on its face.

Body Coloration

Its body color ranges from pale olive to black on the upper side, while its belly ranges from dark grey to black.

Adult Size

Adult individuals of this species can reach a total length of 70 cm, though most adult specimens are smaller than this maximum.

Diet

This snake’s diet consists primarily of skinks and frogs.

Taxonomic History

The species was first formally described in 1859 by Giorgio Jan, under the original scientific name Alecto signata.