Dugite
Pseudonaja affinis
Olive to brown, sometimes with scattered black scales.
Habitat and distribution
South-west Western Australia, including suburban Perth.
Safety
Perth's most common venomous snake, often found in gardens and near bushland.
Quick facts
- Venom
- Highly venomous. It causes most serious snake bites in Perth and south-west Western Australia.
- Size
- Usually about 1.5 m, occasionally up to 2 m.
- Active
- By day in warm weather, often in suburban bushland, parks and backyards.
- Diet
- Mainly mice, plus lizards and other small animals.
Often confused with
- Western brown snake (gwardar) (Pseudonaja mengdeni)
- Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus)
Common questions
Are dugites dangerous?
Yes. The dugite is a highly venomous brown snake. Snakes are venomous rather than poisonous. The risk comes from a bite, so any suspected bite should be treated as an emergency and you should call 000.
Where are dugites found?
In south-west Western Australia, including Perth, and along parts of the southern coast towards South Australia.
Where it is found
Approximate range based on AROD, adapted to our dot grid. Approximate historical reference range; not a habitat or absence assessment. Listed for 1,644 towns and suburbs. Ranges are approximate and do not confirm occurrence at a particular address.
- Other SA localities, SA
- South Australia - Outback, SA
- Bunbury, WA
- Mandurah, WA
- Other WA localities, WA
- Perth - Inner, WA
- Perth - North East, WA
- Perth - North West, WA
- Perth - South East, WA
- Perth - South West, WA
- Western Australia - Outback, WA
- Western Australia - Outback (South), WA
- Western Australia - Wheat Belt, WA
Call 1800 4 SNAKE (1800 476 253)
If someone has been bitten, call 000. Never approach or handle a snake to identify it.