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Elapidae

West Coast Banded Snake

Venomous

Simoselaps littoralis

West Coast Banded Snake
Simoselaps littoralis, © Astrid Osborne
West Coast Banded SnakeWest Coast Banded SnakeWest Coast Banded Snake

4 photographs of the West Coast Banded Snake. © Astrid Osborne.

The West Coast Banded Snake (Simoselaps littoralis) is a venomous snake in the Elapidae family, recorded in 1 country.

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 West Coast Banded Snake

Simoselaps littoralis, also known as the west coast banded snake or coastal burrowing snake, is a species of mildly venomous burrowing snake that is endemic to Australia. The specific epithet littoralis ("coastal") refers to the species' distribution and habitat.

Description

The species grows to an average of about 39 cm in length.

Behaviour

The species is oviparous, with an average clutch size of four.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in coastal dune and heath habitats along the west coast of Western Australia south of Exmouth, including coastal islands.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: West Coast Banded Snake

Is the West Coast Banded Snake venomous?
Yes. The West Coast Banded Snake (Simoselaps littoralis) 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 West Coast Banded Snake poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The West Coast Banded Snake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the West Coast Banded Snake 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 West Coast Banded Snake live?
The West Coast Banded Snake has verified records in 1 country, including Australia. See the distribution section below for its full range.

If you are bitten by the West Coast Banded Snake

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.

Do

  • 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

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
Simoselaps
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
Simoselaps littoralis

Keep learning

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