Keelback (freshwater snake)

I saw this snake at the backyard, circling a pair of sandals. The loud noise was made by a tree frog who got disturbed by this snake. The frog was hidden deep inside the very narrow gap between veranda floor and wall.

This snake is called Keelback (Tropidonophis mairii). The scales on its back is shaped like keel. It's a non venomous freshwater snake. It eats mainly on frogs, tadpoles, small fish and lizards. It can also eat cane toads safely. Keelback snakes often dive in the water and can stay underwater for about 20 minutes.

It's now their breeding season (October to December). They can have 5 to 15 eggs which hatch after 12 to 15 weeks.

This snake was exploring the gardens, moving from one backyard to the next one, because there are plenty of tree frogs around. Of course it loves the billabong nearby where it's based.

13 November 2010

14:40

Nerang,

QLD

Australia