Animals Reptiles & Amphibians

Death Adder

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Acanthophis ssp.

PROFILE:

The death adders are some of the most dangerous and venomous snakes in the world. There are a few different species in Australia, and all are considered “dangerously venomous.” Unlike other species of adder, the death adder is not a type of viper, but instead is an elapid and more closely related to cobras.

TYPE OF ANIMAL:

reptile, squamata (snakes and lizards); venomous

NATIVE TO:

New Guinea and Australia

IUCN CONSERVATION STATUS:

not listed

DIET:

carnivore

LIFESPAN:

approximately 20 years

SOCIAL STATUS:

solitary