Yellow-faced Whip Snake 

of Western Australia

Demansia psammophis

Potential harmful with the larger species.  Generally harmless although venomous.

This is an elapid or fixed front-fanged snake.

Photographed at the Alice Springs Desert Park in Alice Springs NT

There are 3 subspecies 
Demansia psammophis psammophis occurs in WA around the Goldfields.  Its total length is approx 1.0m.
Demansia psammophis reticulata south-west coast and adjacent interior of WA
Demansia psammophis cupreiceps Arid interior to mid-west coast and north-west of WA
And there is a population of Yellow-faced whip snakes in the south-west Kimberley region.

These snakes have a long tail compared to other snakes. A snakes tail starts from their vent to the tip of the snake.

They are a ground dwelling snake but can also climb vertical surfaces.

These snakes may all come together at the same place each year for mating which is thought to occur in winter.  And they may use a communal nesting site where they can lay approx 3-9 eggs per snake.

This is probably the subspecies Demansia pasmmophis cupreiceps

 What do they eat?

The Yellow-faced Whipsnake is diurnal, hunting in the day.

This snakes site and speed are the weapons it uses to catch its prey and they have large eyes.  This fast moving snake can chase down its prey such as skinks and other lizards.  They also feed on lizard eggs and frogs.

These are the tracks of the Yellow-faced Whip snake photographed at the Alice Springs Desert Park.

These snakes prefer the drier regions.

Text;
"Australian Reptiles A Photographic Reference to the Terrestrial Reptiles of Australia" by Stephen K Wilson, David G Knowles.
"Australian Snakes A Natural History" by Rick Shine
http://www.austmus.gov.au/factsheets/whip_snake.htm

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