Narrow-headed Whipsnake

About the Narrow-headed Whipsnake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Narrow-headed Whipsnake

Is the Narrow-headed Whipsnake venomous?

Yes. The Narrow-headed Whipsnake (Demansia angusticeps) 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 Narrow-headed Whipsnake poisonous?

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

Is the Narrow-headed 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 Narrow-headed Whipsnake live?

The Narrow-headed Whipsnake has verified records in 1 country, including Australia. See the distribution section below for its full range.

If you are bitten by the Narrow-headed Whipsnake

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

More Elapidae snakes

• 
  Yellow-faced Whipsnake
  Demansia psammophis
• 
  Lesser Black Whipsnake
  Demansia vestigiata
• 
  Collared Whipsnake
  Demansia torquata
• 
  Greater Black Whipsnake
  Demansia papuensis
• 
  Central Whipsnake
  Demansia cyanochasma
• 
  Reticulated Whipsnake
  Demansia reticulata
• 
  Sombre Whipsnake
  Demansia quaesitor
• 
  Crack-dwelling Whipsnake
  Demansia rimicola

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 angusticeps

Keep learning

• Are Snakes Dangerous? The Real Risk, in PerspectiveMost snakes are harmless and avoid people. Here is the honest picture of snakebite risk worldwide and how to lower your own.
• Snakebite First Aid: What to Do (and What Never to Do)A clear, CDC-based guide to snakebite first aid: the steps that help, the popular myths that hurt, and how to tell a serious bite from a minor one.
• Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
• What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.