Sombre Whip Snake

Identification and appearance

The Reptile Database describes a blue-grey to orange-brown head paler than the body, a dark streak across the snout, a dark teardrop behind the eye and a narrow dark collar. AROD records brown, yellowish-brown to black colour variation.

Typical length

The Australian Museum revision reports mean SVL 36.15 cm and maximum SVL 56.5 cm from mixed-size specimens; these are not total length and do not establish typical adult size.

Head appearance

pale blue-grey to orange-brown head, dark teardrop behind eye

Key identification features

• Head paler than the body
• Dark snout streak, postocular teardrop and nape collar
• Tropical and semi-arid woodland range

Where it is found

Core records extend from the east Kimberley through Arnhem Land into north-western Queensland; the 2007 revision treats Koolan Island and peripheral north-west Queensland records as tentative.

Diet

Presumably mostly lizards.

Reproduction

Egg-laying.

Medical significance

Species-specific clinical effects are not established in this profile. For any suspected bite, call 000 and follow snakebite first aid without waiting for identification.

What to do if you encounter one

Keep your distance and leave it a clear route away. Contact a qualified snake catcher if it is trapped near people.

Similar-looking snakes

Taxonomy notes

The current name Demansia quaesitor replaced earlier use of Demansia olivacea for this tropical whipsnake form. The 2007 revision treats Koolan Island and peripheral north-west Queensland records as tentative.