New venomous snake species identified in outback Queensland and other parts of Australia

A new venomous species of snake has been uncovered in outback Queensland and other parts of Australia following half a century of research.

The Desert Whip Snake – also known as Demansia cyanochasma – has been identified as a new venomous species in Australia. Picture: Brian Bush

A new venomous snake species has been identified living in Queensland and other parts of Australia by genetic researchers.

The newly classified Desert Whip Snake – also known as Demansia cyanochasma – was formally named on June 30 following 50 years of research.

One of the four researchers involved in discovering the new species, herpetologist Brian Bush, said the snake was often mistaken for the Yellow-Faced Whipsnake or Reticulated Whipsnake.

“This species confused taxonomists because it was undescribed and shared characteristics with both snakes,” he said.

A Desert Whip Snake – also known as Demansia cyanochasma – has been identified as a new venomous species in Australia. Picture: Brian Bush

Mr Bush, 76, said it wasn’t until Adelaide geneticist James Nankivell looked at samples of genetic coding that they were able to differentiate between the snakes.

“We call this a cryptic species because its hidden within other species,” he said.

Perth-based Mr Bush said while a bite from a Desert Whip Snake could cause severe swelling, the species was not life threatening to people.
“In my opinion, the bite hurts less than a bee sting, but what you can experience is local symptoms including extreme swelling where you can’t see daylight between your fingers,” he said.

Two of the four researchers, Brad Maryan and Brian Bush (right) examining specimens in the laboratory. Picture: Brian Bush

The Occupational Health and Safety snake management consultant said the snake’s colour was the main feature that distinguished it from the Yellow-faced and the reticulated whipsnakes.

“The Desert whip snake always has a brown head whereas the yellow whipsnake can be other colours,” he said.

“The reticulated whip snake has dark edges at the end of its scales and the desert whipsnake does not.”

The A Desert Whip Snake has been identified as a new venomous species in Australia. Picture: Brian Bush

Mr Bush said the laboratory work began with examination of hundreds of whip snakes kept in museum collections through South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

The Desert Whipsnake earnt its name by commonly inhabiting arid areas, including Alice Springs in the NT and Windorah, Blackall, Birdsville, Boulia and Long Reach in Queensland.

The new species has been described as being slender, having a bluish, grey colour and reaching up to lengths of 89cm.

Honorary researcher Mark Hutchinson and Perth herpetologists Brad Maryan also contributed to the findings.