Is the Greater Black Whipsnake venomous?

Yes. The Greater Black Whipsnake (Demansia papuensis) is venomous and belongs to the Elapidae family (cobra, mamba, coral or sea snake). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.

Is the Greater Black Whipsnake poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Greater Black Whipsnake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.

Where does the Greater Black Whipsnake live?

The Greater Black Whipsnake has verified records in 2 countries, including Australia, Papua New Guinea. See the distribution section below for its full range.

Elapidae

Greater Black Whipsnake

Venomous

Demansia papuensis

Greater Black Whipsnake — Demansia papuensis, © Rod Lowther

6 photographs of the Greater Black Whipsnake. © Rod Lowther.

The Greater Black Whipsnake (Demansia papuensis) is a venomous snake in the Elapidae family, recorded in 2 countries.

If you are bitten

This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.

Family: Elapidae
Danger: high

About the Greater Black Whipsnake

The greater black whipsnake (Demansia papuensis) is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae.

Description

D. papuensis has a constant light to dark brown or black colouration, and a tan coloured head with small dark spots. The species is able to reach up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft).

Distribution and habitat

The snake is found mainly in the northern parts of Australia (the far north-east of Western Australia, north Northern Territory, and Northern Queensland). It lives in open forests and woodlands.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Greater Black Whipsnake

Is the Greater Black Whipsnake venomous?: Yes. The Greater Black Whipsnake (Demansia papuensis) is venomous and belongs to the Elapidae family (cobra, mamba, coral or sea snake). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.
Is the Greater Black Whipsnake poisonous?: Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Greater Black Whipsnake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Greater Black Whipsnake dangerous?: This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.
Where does the Greater Black Whipsnake live?: The Greater Black Whipsnake has verified records in 2 countries, including Australia, Papua New Guinea. See the distribution section below for its full range.

If you are bitten by the Greater Black Whipsnake

A venomous snakebite is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately. In the US, dial 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Get away from the snake and stay calm. Most bites worsen when people panic or try again to handle the snake.
Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) right away. Antivenom works best when given early.
Note the time of the bite and, from a safe distance, the snake's color and pattern, a phone photo is enough. Do not chase it.
Keep the bitten limb still and at roughly heart level. Sit or lie down and limit movement.
Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts.
Gently wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Do not

Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, they can worsen bleeding. Acetaminophen is safer for pain.
Do not try to catch or kill the snake. A dead snake can still bite by reflex.

First-aid guidance adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC NIOSH), Venomous Snakes. Educational only; always follow the instructions of emergency responders.

Where it is found

Australia Papua New Guinea

More Elapidae snakes

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards: Squamata
FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits: Elapidae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species: Demansia
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name: Demansia papuensis

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.