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Lesser black whipsnake

lesser black whipsnake (Demansia vestigiata)
Western Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland
Photo © Stewart Macdonald
Demansia vestigiata - (De Vis, 1884)
Pronunciation  dee-MAN-see-ah   VESS-ti-gee-AH-tah
Etymology  Demansia: after A. van Diemen.
vestigiata: from the Latin vestigium, a footprint, and "suggested by the fancied resemblance of the white markings upon its back to tracks of feet."
Other names  Foot-print snake
Demansia atra 
 
Total length
Species avg: 120 cm
Reproduction
Oviparous
Clutch size
Length and clutch size information comes from a variety of sources, but primarily from Shine (1991) and Cogger (2000).
Description Distribution Natural history Conservation Further information More photos

Description

Dark grey, shades of brown to black above, tending to become redder posteriorly; body scales typically with dark edges. Head usually tan in colour; sometimes a dark teardrop mark is present from the eye to mouth; dark spots and blotches sometimes present on the head and neck.

Similar species

Demansia vestigiata can be distinguished from collared whipsnake (Demansia torquata), crack-dwelling whipsnake (Demansia rimicola), sombre whipsnake (Demansia quaesitor), Carpentarian whipsnake (Demansia flagellatio) and Shine's whipsnake (Demansia shinei) by the lack of a dark bar across the nape.

Taxonomic notes

This species was described by De Vis in 1884, but was originally placed in a different genus.1
Demansia atra is a junior synonym of Demansia vestigiata (Ingram 1990).

Scale count information


Dorsal scales at midbody   15
Ventrals   165 to 197 with a divided anal scale
Subcaudals   63 to 92 and are divided
Other scale information   Midbody scales are smooth.
Danger rating   Venomous. Should be treated with caution, especially large specimens.
Note: even a bite from a 'virtually harmless' or non-venomous reptile can result in serious complications. Play it safe and don't get bitten by anything.
Notes and disclaimer
This information may not be complete. While all care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this page, primary sources should always be consulted for definitive information. Animals have an endearing habit of disobeying the rules, so the information on this page should be interpreted with a degree of flexibility.
The author and site operator accepts no responsibility for any losses or damages incurred through using this web site or the information contained herein. Don't get bitten by anything!
This page may be cited as:
  Demansia vestigiata at the Australian Reptile Online Database. Last updated 2019-05-02 15:06:48.
  Retrieved from http://arod.com.au/arod/?species=Demansia+vestigiata on the 29th of March, 2024.
Before citing information contained in AROD, please read our Citing AROD page.

Copyright notice
This page, its content and layout are copyright © 2007-2024 Stewart Macdonald / Ug Media, unless otherwise stated.
All photographs in The Australian Reptile Online Database are © the photographer and may not be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the photographer.
No part of The Australian Reptile Online Database may be reproduced without written permission from Stewart Macdonald.
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