Yellow-faced whipsnake

Description

The yellow-faced whip snake (Demansia psammophis) is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae, a family containing many dangerous snakes. D. psammophis is endemic to Australia, found throughout the continent in a variety of habitats from coastal fringes to interior arid scrubland. Demansia psammophis is a long thin snake with a narrow head. D. psammophis grows up to a total of 1m in length, averaging around 80cm in length, females being slightly smaller than males.Characterised by their narrow yellowish head, pale ring around the eyes, and a dark marking curving along the upper lip,D. psammophis becomes distinguishable from other Demansia snakes. Juveniles can be distinguished as a white-edged dark line is seen across the snout. The large prominent eyes surrounded by a pale ring, account for its ability to be a successful diurnal species, having the largest eyes of any Australian snake assisting in prey capture.The colour of Yellow Whip Snakes varies, ranging from olive green, grey and brown, however, a common characteristic in colour is a ‘red flush along the anterior third of its back’. To accurately identify this species, their must be a clear view of the head and the scales around the snakes mid-body must be counted. D. psammophis has ‘15 midbody scale rows and between 165-230 ventrals, and the anal and subcaudals divided’.Demansia psammophis is commonly confused with the Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis), due to their similar appearance. Demansia psammophis are distributed throughout the Australian continent, with presence in every state except Tasmania. Although the distribution of D. psammophis is wide, it is endemic to Australia. Found in a variety of habitats across Australia, the Demansia psammophis inhabits a range of habitats, from coastal forests to arid scrublands and grasslands in Australia’s interior.It is not uncommon to find more than one D. psammophis as they are community dwellers. Habitats in rock crevice’s and under logs are common community habitats with communities often aggregating in winter months. Demansia psammophis are diurnal reptiles, fast-moving with a nervous disposition,always alert and fleeing quickly when disturbed. The Yellow Whip Snake is subject to brumation in the winter months, slowing down their movements, usually only moving to seek sun and water.