Parasuta flagellum (Little Whip-snake)

Elapid

Little Whip-snake is one of ten species of hooded and curl snakes found in Australia. It is a small, slender snake, reaching 45cm in length. Its most conspicuous feature is the black hour-glass-shaped patch from the back of the nape to between the eyes. Some also have a black snout-band. The body is tan to orange above and creamy below. They are venomous, though their size and small venom dosage is such that they are virtually harmless, though a bite can be painful.

Little Whip-snake is sometimes confused with the far more common baby Brown Snakes. The latter often have one bar behind the head (not present in Little Whip-snake) and on some individuals thin bands down the rest of the body. The bar and bands on Brown Snakes disappear after the first year. 

Little Whips-snake is found within an area bounded by Crookwell in the north, Bombala in the south, Tumbarumba to the west and Braidwood to the east. It occurs in Natural Temperate Grasslands and grassy woodlands, including those dominated by Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora) or Yellow Box (E. melliodora). Also occurs in secondary grasslands derived from clearing of woodlands. It is found on well drained hillsides, mostly associated with scattered loose rocks. Most have been found under rocks or logs lying on, or partially embedded in the soil. Little is known about the habits of this small snake as it is primarily nocturnal. It feeds on lizards and frogs.

Distribution: There are a number of records east of Canberra to around the base of Lake George, and the grasslands of the Monaro.