The desert whip snake, also known as Demansia Cyanochasma, has been mistaken for another species for decades.
But this week it was determined to be its own distinct species, through research led by University of Adelaide geneticists James Nankivell, Mark Hutchinson and Perth researchers Brad Maryan and Brian Bush.
“This discovery was made through a combination of genetic studies and sampling physical specimens,” Nankivell told 9News.com.au.
“The desert whip snake has a wide distribution through Central Australia; from the Western Australian goldfields to Flinders Range in South Australia, all the way up to southwest Queensland.
“It’s quite commonly seen through outback towns.”
The blueish and copper-coloured snake has a unique hunting style which makes it a fierce predator.
“The cool thing about whip snakes is they’re fast-moving and have these big eyes,” he said.
“They’re active predators that are out during the day to hunt down prey.”
Thankfully, the venomous species is unlikely to cause a fatal bite in humans.
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“The species is mildly-venomous, but not likely to cause a serious bite, pain and swelling is most likely,” Nankivell said.
The desert whip snake’s unique coloured body was the inspiration behind its scientific name, Demansia cyanochasma, which means blue gap.
The next step for the researchers is to do more sampling and genetic tests, as it’s possible more distinct snake species remain unnamed.
“Whip snakes are the most diverse venomous snake in Australia,” Nankivell said.
“And only slight colour variations tell them apart, but colour fades in museum specimens.
“There are 15 species we know of but it’s possible more species are out there, probably in the tropics.”
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