The White-lipped snake (Drysdalia coronoides) is a small species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. It is the smallest of three species of snake found in Tasmania and is Australia's most cold-tolerant snake, even inhabiting areas on Mount Kosciuszko above the snow line. It belongs to the genus Drysdalia and is often referred to as the whip snake in Tasmania (true whip snakes from Australia are from the genus Demansia and are only found on the mainland).
White-lipped snakes are small and slender. The back appears blackish-blue in color and the underside is pale grey. The snake gets its common name from a thin, white line bordered above by a narrow black line that runs along the upper lip.
White-lipped snakes are found in south-eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania where they can be found both in mountainous areas and in lowlands. They live in various habitats including grasslands, montane forests, and open woodlands.
White-lipped snakes are shy nocturnal creatures. They hunt at night actively searching for prey. During the daylight hours, they usually shelter under rocks, logs, and among ground debris.
White-lipped snakes are carnivores and feed almost exclusively on skinks.
White-lipped snakes are viviparous. Females typically give birth to 2-8 live young around March or April. Tasmanian White-lipped snakes may only breed once every 2 years in the wild and start to breed when they are around 3 years old.
White-lipped snakes don’t face any major threats at present. Those occurring near urban areas suffer from habitat loss and predation by feral cats.
According to the IUCN Red List, the White-lipped snake is locally common throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
