Northern Bandy-Bandy
Vermicella multifasciata
A banded burrowing elapid of tropical northern Australia, closely related to the common bandy-bandy.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.6 m (16-24 in)
- Range
- Northern Australia (Northern Territory, Kimberley)
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Overview
The northern bandy-bandy is a banded, fossorial elapid distributed across the monsoonal tropics of northern Australia. Like its southern relative, it displays bold black-and-white ringing along the body.
It shares the burrowing lifestyle and specialized diet of blind snakes typical of the bandy-bandy group.
How to identify it
- Bold black-and-white banding around the entire body, often with more numerous narrower bands than the common bandy-bandy
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Cylindrical, burrowing body form
- Small head not distinct from neck
- Distinguished from the common bandy-bandy mainly by band count and geographic range
Habitat & range
Found in tropical savanna woodland and monsoonal habitats across the Northern Territory and Kimberley, spending most of its time underground.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Fossorial and nocturnal, rarely seen above ground. Feeds specifically on blind snakes. Displays the characteristic arching defensive posture of the genus when disturbed. Reproduces by laying eggs.
Frequently asked questions
How does the northern bandy-bandy differ from the common bandy-bandy?
Mainly by having more numerous, narrower bands and a more northern distribution.
What does it eat?
Blind snakes almost exclusively.
Is it dangerous?
It is mildly venomous but not considered a threat to humans.
Where is it found?
Tropical northern Australia, including the Northern Territory and Kimberley.
Northern Bandy-Bandy guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Northern Bandy-Bandy.
