Little whip snake

The little whip snake (Suta flagellum),^[3] also known commonly as the whip hooded snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to Australia.^[1]

Little whip snake
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Elapidae
Genus:	Suta
Species:	S. flagellum
Binomial name
Suta flagellum (F. McCoy, 1878)
Synonyms[2]
Hoploceaphalus flagellum F. McCoy, 1878 Denisonia flagellum — Boulenger, 1896 Cryptophis flagellum — Worrell, 1961 Suta flagellum — McDowell, 1970 Unechis flagellum — Cogger, 1975 Rhinoplocephalus flagellum — Storr, 1984 Parasuta flagellum — Greer, 2006

Description

S. flagellum can have a total length (including tail) of up to 45 cm (18 in). Its most notable feature is the black patch, shaped like an hourglass, which extends from the back of its nape to between the eyes. The body of the snake is orange to tan dorsally, and cream-colored ventrally.^[4]

Behavior

S. flagellum is generally nocturnal and found under rocks and logs.^[4]

Diet

The whip hooded snake preys upon lizards and frogs.^[4]

Habitat

In New South Wales, the preferred natural habitats of S. flagellum are temperate grasslands and grassy woodlands.^[4]

Venom

The little whip snake is venomous, though virtually harmless to humans.^[4]

Reproduction

S. flagellum is viviparous.^[2] Brood size is seven or fewer.^[4]