Fun Curl Snake Facts For Kids

Popular by the common name of Myall snake among the people of Western Australia, the curl snake (Suta suta) derives the name 'suta' from the Latin language which translates as 'stitched'. The reticulated pattern that occurs due to the darker edges of the vertebral scales gives the impression of a stitched pattern.

The species is nocturnal and remains active mostly during the dark hours of the night when there is less intervention. In the bright daytime, it prefers to stay hidden inside cracks or fissures, under log piles, leaf litters, or rock piles to avoid detection.

The terrestrial snake remains close to its territory unless the habitat is disrupted and unsafe for living.

The highly poisonous venom ejected by Suta suta is a result of its survival instincts - when it senses impending danger or some predatory animal in the vicinity. A bite from a larger specimen has the potential to cause serious neural degeneration.

For more relatable content, check out these kingsnake facts and copperhead snake facts for kids.

Curl Snake Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a curl snake?

Native to the woodlands and grasslands of Australia, the curl snake (Suta suta) is a species of venomous snake of the Elapidae family.

What class of animal does a curl snake belong to?

The Australian curl snakes belong to the class Reptilia of the Suta genus.

How many curl snakes are there in the world?

Although the exact number of mature individuals in Australia is not known, records reveal that the population of curl snakes is stable with no severe threats. However, the species is considered vulnerable in the Australian state, Victoria.

It is anticipated that the diminishing population has most probably been caused due to the loss of land cover. The large-scale population distribution has rendered a secure conservation status to the species.

Where does a curl snake live?

Apart from Tasmania, the species can be found in every single territory and state of Australia. Places in the eastern half like New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the Northern Territory, and South Australia boast of a considerable population of the species.

It is also replete in Western Australia. However, the population distribution of Suta suta is limited within the boundaries of Australia.

What is a curl snake's habitat?

Suta suta can adjust well in both tropical and temperate climates. Therefore, the geographical habitat of Suta suta encompasses dry woodlands, forests, savannas, grasslands, stony arid deserts, and Acacia and Eucalypt shrublands.

Who do curl snakes live with?

Normally, cold-blooded reptiles like snakes prefer to remain undisturbed and aloof so they live solitarily.

How long does a curl snake live?

Due to the dearth of detailed records, the average lifespan of the curl snake cannot be ascertained.

How do they reproduce?

The species is known to be viviparous, that is, the females do not lay eggs. Instead, the embryo develops inside the parents' body. Reproduction takes place in summer. The litter generally consists of one to seven neonates. The size of the young one is about 6 in (15 cm). The behavior of the species during reproduction is not known.

What is their conservation status?

As per the evaluation of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the dangerous curl snakes (Suta suta) are plentiful within their geographical limits of Australia and thus their categorization has been made under the Least Concern group.

Curl Snake Fun Facts

What do curl snakes look like?

The curl snake comes in a medium size with a heavily built body, wide head, small pupil, and light orange shaded iris. The primary body color of the species ranges from reddish-brown to dark brown. Streaks of orange run from its eyes straight to the edge of its snout.

*Please note the main image and this image are of a rattle snake that belongs to the same family as the curl snake. If you have an image of a curl snake please let us know at hello@kidadl.com.

How cute are they?

A snake may have beautiful shimmery scales but it doesn't qualify to be tagged as cute. Both their appearance and behavior evoke a sense of fear.

How do they communicate?

Generally, snakes communicate with each other by releasing and analyzing pheromones because their auditory and visual senses are extremely poor.

How big is a curl snake?

The species grows up to an approximate length of 16 in (40 cm) and sometimes it can even reach a larger size of about 24 in (60 cm). It is comparatively smaller than the eastern diamondback rattlesnake measuring around 48-96 in. Almost three times larger!

How fast can a curl snake move?

The accurate speed limit of the myall snake remains a mystery. However, it can be concluded that the species is fast-moving owing to the fact that snakes are usually known for their swiftness.

How much does a curl snake weigh?

The weight of the Suta suta is yet to be unraveled. The weight of the species greatly depends on its size and built. Normally, the curl snake possesses a stocky, medium-sized body which implies that they have a moderate weight.

What are the male and female names of the species?

The males and females do not have special designations.

What would you call a baby curl snake?

A baby snake is regarded as a neonate or snakelet.

What do they eat?

The diet of Suta suta comprises small mammals and reptiles. While reptiles form about 80% of their diet, the snake species occasionally feed on mammals. Reptiles like lizards, frogs, skinks, geckos, and snakes form a major part of their regular diet.

Are they poisonous?

Suta suta is famous for its deadly venom which is neurotoxic in nature. They can be especially damaging for children. Once bitten, the person needs to be rushed for immediate medical treatment.

Would they make a good pet?

Some license holders maintain the species as pets in several states of Australia. Nevertheless, it's highly dangerous to tame and rear the curl snake or myall snake as a pet due to its high toxicity. Just like the sea snake, the species is deadly especially when children are around.

Did you know...

Did you know that Australia is home to innumerable dangerous snake species known for their lethal venom? Just like Suta suta, the inland taipan, mulga snake, eastern brown snake, and coastal taipan are native to the grounds of Australia.

What to do if you get bitten by a curl snake?

The bite of a curl snake can cause severe damage if not handled carefully. In case of a snake bite, you need to consult a medical professional immediately. Additionally, some precautionary measures must be taken urgently.

Firstly, the victim must stay calm and immobile as much as possible. The bitten area must be maintained at a lower level from the heart to slow down the entry of the poison into the bloodstream. The area can be washed with soapy water and bandaged tightly with utmost caution.https://kidadl.com/free-coloring-pages/curl-snake

Why are they called curl snakes?

The common name, curl snake, has been attributed to the species owing to its defensive 'curling' behavior in the face of adversity. When threatened, the snake curls up into a coil-like shape trying to protect its head. The snake initially engages in thrashing brutally before it coils up in a circular knot.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other reptiles from our Burmese python facts and corn snake facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable curl snake coloring pages.

*Please note the main image is of a common cat snake, not a curl snake specifically. If you have an image of a curl snake, please let us know at hello@kidadl.com.