Little Whip Snake
Suta flagellum
One of Australia's smallest snakes, a slender nocturnal elapid found in grassland and woodland of the southeast.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.2-0.35 m (8-14 in)
- Range
- Southeastern Australia (Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales)
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Overview
The little whip snake is a diminutive elapid found in the temperate grasslands and woodlands of southeastern Australia. Despite its tiny size, it belongs to the same family as Australia's larger dangerously venomous snakes.
It is commonly found sheltering under flat rocks in open country and is considered harmless to humans due to its small size and mild venom.
How to identify it
- Very small, slender body, among the smallest Australian elapids
- Grey to reddish-brown dorsal coloration, sometimes with darker flecking
- Pale belly
- Small head barely wider than the neck
- Distinguished from other small Suta by size and fine scalation details
Habitat & range
Found in native grassland, grassy woodland, and rocky outcrops across Victoria, South Australia, and southern New South Wales, commonly sheltering under partially embedded rocks.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and secretive, spending most of its time under surface rocks and debris. Feeds on small skinks. Reproduces by laying small clutches of eggs in summer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the little whip snake dangerous?
No, it is considered harmless to humans due to its very small size and mild venom.
How small is the little whip snake?
It is one of Australia's smallest snakes, rarely exceeding about 35 cm.
Where is it found?
Grasslands and woodlands of southeastern Australia, including Victoria and South Australia.
What does it eat?
Small skinks.
Little Whip Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Little Whip Snake.
