Bandy-Bandy
Vermicella annulata
A striking black-and-white banded elapid famous for arching loops of its body when threatened.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.75 m (20-30 in)
- Range
- Eastern and northern Australia
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Overview
The bandy-bandy is one of Australia's most visually distinctive snakes, marked with bold, evenly spaced black-and-white rings along its entire length. It is a burrowing specialist that spends most of its life underground, emerging mainly at night.
When threatened, it performs a striking defensive display, raising loops of its body off the ground in an arched, snaking motion, which may serve to confuse predators.
How to identify it
- Distinctive black-and-white banding encircling the entire body
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Cylindrical body suited to burrowing
- Small head not distinct from the neck
- Banding pattern is unmistakable and separates it from all other Australian snakes
Habitat & range
Found across a wide range of habitats in eastern and northern Australia, including woodland, forest, and semi-arid country, spending most of its time underground or beneath surface debris.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Highly fossorial and nocturnal, rarely seen above ground except at night or after rain. Feeds almost exclusively on blind snakes. When disturbed, displays a distinctive arching, looping defensive posture. Lays eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the bandy-bandy arch its body?
As a defensive display when threatened, likely to startle or confuse predators.
What does the bandy-bandy eat?
It feeds almost exclusively on blind snakes.
Is the bandy-bandy dangerous?
It is mildly venomous but not considered dangerous to humans.
Where does the bandy-bandy live?
Across eastern and northern Australia, mostly underground or under surface debris.
Bandy-Bandy guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Bandy-Bandy.
