Northern Bandy-bandy

Identification and appearance

Numerous narrow black bands alternate with pale bands along the slim body. AROD reports more than 75 black bands when the body and tail are counted together; this count alone is not a safe identification test.

Other names

Narrow-banded Bandy Bandy, Narrow-banded Northern Bandy-Bandy

Typical length

AROD reports an average of 60 cm and a maximum of 100 cm, but the exact-species primary measurements have not been traced. The 2018 study's tail-length statistics are not total-length measurements, so no total-length maximum is asserted.

Body build

slender

Key identification features

• More than 75 black bands across body and tail
• Thin banded body form
• Northern Territory and Western Australia

Where it is found

Northern Territory and Western Australia; AROD describes the Darwin-area form with more than 75 black bands.

Reproduction

Egg-laying.

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.

Taxonomy notes

The 1996 revision restricts its concept to Darwin-area high-band specimens, while 2018 research discusses specimen reidentification and unresolved intermedia/multifasciata relationships; NT and WA are retained with partial status.