Pseudonaja affinis Günther, 1872

Species Introduction

The dugite (Pseudonaja affinis Günther, 1872) is a venomous, dangerous snake.

Body Coloration

Its body colour ranges from grey, green to brown; colouration varies widely between individuals, and is not a reliable way to identify the species. Black scales may be scattered across the body.

Scale Characteristics

Its scales are relatively large with a semi-glossy finish.

Head Morphology

The most notable distinguishing feature is its small head, which is not clearly distinct from the neck.

Body Size and Shape

The dugite has a long, slender body build; it can reach a total maximum length of 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) including the tail, with a typical total length of roughly 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in).

Geographic Distribution

Pseudonaja affinis is distributed across southern Western Australia and remote coastal areas of western South Australia.

Natural Habitat Types

It can live in a wide range of habitats, including coastal dunes, heathlands, shrublands and woodlands.

Degraded Habitat Occupation

It also thrives in heavily degraded habitats like golf courses, industrial areas and open agricultural farmlands.

Population Trend

After natural habitats were opened up and the house mouse (its main food source) was introduced, the dugite's population has grown.

Urban Presence

In the Perth metropolitan area, the dugite is one of the most common snakes found near buildings.

Human Area Shelter Sites

In areas populated by humans, it takes temporary shelter under items such as concrete slabs, fibro sheeting and roofing tin.

Natural Area Shelter Sites

In more natural habitats, it shelters under rocks and in abandoned termite mounds.

Winter Behavior

It also burrows underground during the winter.

Mating Period

Like all brown snakes, the dugite normally mates between early September and late November.

Reproductive Mode

It is an oviparous (egg-laying) species.

Egg Laying and Incubation

It typically lays around 30 eggs, then abandons them to self-incubate. Eggs hatch after approximately 65 days.

Clutch Frequency

When environmental conditions are optimal, the dugite may lay two clutches of eggs in a single breeding season.