Elapidae
Lesser Black Whip Snake
Demansia vestigiata
Lesser Black Whip Snake is recorded from eastern Queensland to the eastern Kimberley in Western Australia, with Northern Territory records. It is dark grey to brown or black above and may become redder toward the rear; the head is often tan.
Venomous
Identification and appearance
Dark grey to brown or black upperparts may become redder posteriorly, with dark-edged scales. The head is often tan, with occasional dark spots or blotches on the head and neck.
Other names
Black Whip Snake
Typical length
AROD lists a species average of 120 cm; this does not establish a typical adult interval.
Key identification features
- Dark grey to brown or black body
- Redder posterior colouration may occur
- Tan head with occasional local spots or blotches
Where it is found
Recorded across northern Australia from eastern Queensland through the NT to the eastern Kimberley in WA.
Diet
Reptiles and frogs.
Reproduction
Oviparous.
Medical significance
Venomous. A suspected bite needs urgent medical assessment; do not use a website result to judge risk. Call 000 and follow snakebite first aid for any suspected bite.
What to do if you encounter one
Keep well clear, leave a route for the snake to move away and do not approach for a closer look. If it is inside a building, keep people and pets away and contact a qualified local snake catcher.
Similar-looking snakes
These related species provide useful reading comparisons. Similar appearance does not establish an identification.
Elapidae
Long-tailed Whip Snake
Demansia flagellatio
The Long-tailed Whip Snake is a very slender venomous snake of north-western Queensland. Its bold black-and-yellow head pattern and long tail are described in current specialist accounts.
Open identification guide
Photographed in the Mount Isa area, Queensland.
Photo: Chris Hay · CC BY 4.0 (Licence)
Elapidae
Sombre Whip Snake
Demansia quaesitor
The Sombre Whip Snake is a small venomous snake of northern Australia with brown to black colouring, a paler head and a dark nape collar. It occurs in tropical and semi-arid woodland.
Open identification guide
Photo: Max Tibby · CC0 1.0 (Licence)
Elapidae
Blacksoil Whip Snake
Demansia rimicola
A brown-grey whipsnake with fine pale and dark lines along its sides. It inhabits cracking-clay country across parts of northern and inland eastern Australia.
Open identification guideElapidae
Shine’s Whip Snake
Demansia shinei
A venomous whipsnake of northern central Australia.
Open identification guide
Photo: Noah Kirkland · CC BY 4.0 (Licence)
Elapidae
Collared Whip Snake
Demansia torquata
A grey-brown whipsnake with a darker head and a pale-edged band across the neck. The checked range follows eastern Queensland from Cape York to the central coast.
Open identification guideSources checked
- Australian Reptile Online Database — Demansia vestigiata (2026-09-25)
- The Reptile Database — Demansia vestigiata (2026-09-25)
Still not sure?
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A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.