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| snakes text index | photo index |
| Phylum Chordata > Subphylum Vertebrata > Class Reptilia > shore snakes |
| Banded
marine snakes How to tell them apart? updated Oct 08 |
| Banded
confusion Both the Yellow-lipped sea snake and the Banded
file snake are banded snakes with tapered tails that are sometimes
encountered on our shores. Here's how to tell them apart. The Banded file snake is harmless to humans, while the Yellow-lipped sea snake has a potent venom. But these snakes are generally shy and will not bite unless provoked. So just leave them alone. |
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Yellow-lipped
sea snake
Laticauda colubrina |
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Bands
are broad on top and narrow along the sides.
The skin is loose and hangs in folds, with tiny granular scales. |
Bands
are the same width throughout.
The skin is not loose and it has large scales. |
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Small scales on the head
and does not have a yellow lip. |
Large scales on the head
and has yellow lips. |
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Tail
is tapered but not flattened.
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Tail
is flattened into a paddle-like shape.
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More comparisons
how to tell apart snakes and eels
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