Yellow-Faced Whipsnake
Demansia psammophis
A slender, fast-moving Australian elapid named for the distinctive yellowish marking on its face, active by day and generally shy toward humans.
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Southern and eastern Australia
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Overview
The Yellow-Faced Whipsnake is a slim, agile elapid found across much of southern and eastern Australia. It belongs to the whipsnake genus Demansia, known for their speed and diurnal, active foraging behavior.
It is a fast-fleeing species.
How to identify it
- Slender body, olive-gray to bluish-gray in color
- Distinctive pale yellow marking below and behind the eye, giving rise to its common name
- Smooth scales
- Large eyes with round pupils, typical of active diurnal hunters
- Long, whip-like tapering tail
Habitat & range
Found in a variety of habitats including woodland, grassland, heath, and rocky outcrops across southern and eastern Australia.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Highly active and fast-moving during the day, hunting by sight for lizards, which make up the bulk of its diet. Alert and quick to flee when disturbed. Reproduces by egg-laying.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify it?
Look for its slender build, fast movement, and a pale yellow mark near the eye.
What does it eat?
Primarily lizards, which it hunts actively during the day.
Where is it found?
Across southern and eastern Australia in a range of open habitats.
Yellow-Faced Whipsnake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Yellow-Faced Whipsnake.
