Yellow-Faced Whip Snake 25/03/12

Yellow Faced Whip Snake at Jarowair this Sunday the 25th of March 2012. This is our first positive sighting of this snake.  I do believe that I have seen it in this location before, but at the time I didn't get a good look at the markings on its face.

Brendon spotted this one emerging from some rocks in the garden, while he was in the process of gardening nearby.

Yellow-faced Whip Snake emerging from the rocks 25/03/12

This Photo shows the yellow markings either side of the eye, hence its name Yellow-faced Whip Snake

You can see the brown colourings on the sides emerging.  Noted that it has had an injury of somesort also.

This Information from www.wildlifeqld.com.au

Species name: Yellow-faced Whip Snake (Demansia psammophis)

Other Common names: Whip Snake, Grass Snake

Significance to Humans: Potentially Dangerous.
 especially if children involved.
 Bite may cause localised pain & severe symptoms. Apply correct first aid and seek medical attention.

General description: Very slender snake with long, thin whip-like tail. Large prominent eyes. Colour generally pale olive or bluish-grey, often with rusty flush or longitudinal stripes along front-third of body. Belly grayish-green, often yellowish under tail. Distinctive face markings. Obvious pale cream or yellow rim around eye, with dark comma-shaped marking curving back below eye. Dark bar or line with pale edges runs across front of snout from nostril-to-nostril. Scales smooth.
 Midbody scales at 15 rows.

Average Length: 65-70cm, but specimens up to 80cm have been recorded locally.

Habitat in SE Qld: Dry open areas, open forest, woodland, grassland and a frequent species around homes.

General habits: Swift-moving, alert, diurnal snake. Good vision, active hunter

Diet: Swift, fast-moving lizards such as skinks

This sighting brings us to #10 different snake species seen here at Jarowair :)

Enjoy the pictures!

Judi & Brendon