Drosera serpens is a species in the section Arachnopus (D. indica complex) that is named for its scrambling habit. The plant is widespread in tropical regions of Australia and SE Asia.

D. serpens grows as a medium to large plant from 10 – 30 cm tall. The leaves feature an obvious petiole. The flower of the plant can be pink or white, and the pedicels are erect in fruit. The leaves can either be red or green. Like many species in the indica complex, this species has interesting indumenta. Close examination reveals the presence of yellow mushroom-shaped tichomes, as well as large red glands on the main stem of the plant. In addition, tiny ‘Y’ shaped appendages are present on the petiole.

The species is common in wet monsoon plains, shallowly inundated flooded plains and seeps across tropical Australia. The species can use its long arms to scramble amongst other plants but is also self-supporting in exposed niches. As with its relatives, the plant is an annual and dies during the dry season.

In the Australia, D. serpans can be distinguished at a glance by the presence of a distinct petiole and pink/white flowers (other species that feature distinct petioles have cerise, orange or red and white flowers). Examination of the stem for the yellow mushroom-like glands confirms the identification. It is particularly similar to D. fragrans, although D. fragrans has metallic cerise flowers and lacks the yellow glands.