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Home > Snakes > Desert Death Adder

Desert Death Adder

Desert death adder is a sandy colored venomous snake species indigenous to Australia. An ambush predator, its venom is a neurotoxin that can quickly kill its prey by destroying the neural tissues. However, there are few cases of attacks on humans in recent times.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Class Reptilia
    Order Squamata
    Suborder Serpentes
    Family Elapidae
    Genus Acanthophis
    Scientific name Acanthophis pyrrhus


    Length 50-70 cm
    Color Brick-red or yellow-reddish
    Distribution Western Australian coasts to Kalgoorlie in the south and into the Northern Territory
    Habitat Stony, deserted areas with porcupine grass growths, sandy ridges, and rocky outcrops
    Diet Desert lizards, skinks, and dragonflies as well as small mammals and birds
    Hibernation Fact Hibernates during the cold months
    Venom Fact One of the most venomous snakes (produces 85 to 235 mg  of venom per bite)
    Breeding Season Late spring to early summer
    Mode of reproduction Viviparous (gives birth to live babies)
    Litter Size 10-20
    IUCN Conservation Status Endangered


    Desert Death Adder Pictures Gallery

    Published on August 12th 2016 by under Snakes. Article was last reviewed on 4th June 2019.

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