Scientists from the University of Adelaide, South Australian Museum and Western Australia Museum have discovered a new species of snake, Demansia cyanochasma, found all over Australia.

Unlike other whip snake species, the desert whip snake (Demansia cyanochasma) has a blue body with copper highlights on its head and tail. Scientists report that this snake develops a high speed of movement when hunting lizards. It successfully uses its venom to kill its prey. The desert whip snake can reach up to 90 centimeters in length.

“The desert snake is somewhat venomous, but while its bite is painful, it is unlikely to cause serious harm to humans. Biting by whip snakes is extremely rare, as these animals are very shy and tend to run at the first sign of danger.”— noted the author of the study.