Little Whip Snake

Identification and appearance

Dark scale edges give the tan to orange upper body a fine net-like appearance. A black hourglass-shaped patch covers the head and nape; some snakes also have a separate dark snout band. The body is slender.

Typical length

The NSW Government says the species reaches 45 cm; this is an attributed reported maximum, not a typical adult interval.

Body build

slender

Head appearance

black hourglass-shaped head and nape marking

Key identification features

• Slender tan or orange-brown body
• Reticulated scale edging
• Local black hourglass head-and-nape patch

Where it is found

New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria in the current account.

Activity

Mainly nocturnal.

Diet

Lizards and frogs.

Reproduction

Live-bearing.

Medical significance

Accounts describe low usual danger to people, but this cannot establish the safety of an unidentified snakebite. For any suspected bite, call 000 and follow snakebite first aid.

What to do if you encounter one

Keep clear and do not handle it. Use a qualified snake catcher or local wildlife authority if it is trapped near people.

Similar-looking snakes

Photo: Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark · CC BY 2.0 (Licence)

Elapidae

Eastern Brown Snake

Pseudonaja textilis

An Eastern Brown Snake is not always brown. Adults can be tan, orange-brown or nearly black, while young snakes may have striking dark bands. A relatively small head and slender body are more useful clues than the name alone.

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