Yellow-faced whip snake
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. Characterized 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-faced 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, there must be a clear view of the head, and the scales around the snake's mid-body must be counted. D. psammophis has 15 midbody scale rows and between 165-230 ventrals, with 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 crevices 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-faced Whip Snake is subject to brumation, or slowing down their movements, in the winter months, usually only moving to seek sun and water.
Small diurnal lizards are the main source of food, as well as lizard eggs. D. psammophis, although diurnal, forage during the night, catching nocturnal forms such as geckoes, lerista and frogs.
Demansia psammophis are oviparous, laying clutches of 5-6 and 15-20 amniotic eggs. Communal egg laying is also common among the species, with some nests having between 500-600 eggs present. D. psammophis females experience vitellogenesis between September and November, ovulating in late spring or summer. Hatchlings are approximately 17cm in length from snout to base of tail and are laid between February and March.
Yellow-faced Whip Snakes are currently classified as 'least concern' under the IUCN red list and are considered stable.
The species is secure under the status of least concern in the majority of States and Territories in Australia, including QLD and the NT, however, they are considered near-threatened in Victoria.
D. psammophis is not found in Tasmania due to the Tasman Strait that separates it from mainland Australia and the climatic conditions of Tasmania.
