Bandy Bandy

Vermicella annulata

DESCRIPTION

760mm in length. Quite robust. Black and white ringed, encircling body and tail. Rounded snout. Short blunt tail. Small dark eyes.

There are five species of the Bandy Bandy which are considered to be widespread throughout eastern, central and northern Australia. Vermicella annulata, however is near threatened in Victoria and rare in South Australia.
V. annulata can be found in eastern Australia from Cape York in Queensland and into the east of the Northern Territory. It can also be found in the Shepparton, Victoria and Port Augusta regions, into South Australia and most of New South Wales. The Bandy Bandy can be found in rainforest areas as well as dryer desert areas. It is a secretive burrower, seldom seen foraging above ground except at night, often after rain. It is a dietary specialist, eating only blind snakes. when threatened the snake contorts its bodhy into vertically oriented hoops, thrashing and re-positioning when disturbed. In stance, the black and white rings are extremely conspicuous, but in motion the colours merge and the snake becomes obscure.