Elapidae

Rufous Whip Snake

Demansia rufescens

Rufous Whip Snake is a Western Australian species of the Pilbara and nearby islands. It is reddish to coppery brown above, with a grey head and neck and no dark nape band.

Venomous

Identification and appearance

Reddish to coppery brown upperparts contrast with a grey head and neck; a pale-edged dark streak crosses the snout and a teardrop mark runs from the eye. No dark nape band is present.

Typical length

The 2007 revision reports a maximum of 511 mm snout–vent length; total length was not converted. AROD’s 51 cm maximum is not used as a total-length maximum.

Key identification features

Reddish to coppery brown upperparts
Grey head and neck
No dark nape band

Where it is found

Pilbara region of Western Australia, including a number of offshore islands (Hermite, Dolphin and Barrow).

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.

Sources checked

Australian Reptile Online Database — Demansia rufescens (2026-09-25)
The Reptile Database — Demansia rufescens (2026-09-25)
Australian Museum 2007 — Demansia revision (2026-09-25)

For any suspected snakebite, call 000 and follow snakebite first aid.

Snake bite first aid

Call 000 for an ambulance for any suspected snakebite, even if the person feels well.

If they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately. CPR takes priority over bandaging.

If the person is unresponsive but breathing normally, gently place them on their side, keep their airway open and keep checking their breathing. Follow the emergency operator’s instructions.

Keep them lying still and reassured. For an arm or leg bite, apply a firm pressure bandage over the bite and along the whole limb, then splint it. Leave the bandage and splint in place for hospital staff. Stay with the person and monitor breathing.

Do not wash, cut or suck the bite, apply a tourniquet, or try to catch or kill the snake.

Based on ANZCOR snakebite guidance and pressure immobilisation guidance. Sources checked 25–26 September 2026.

Read the full first-aid guide →

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