Death Adder
- Family: Elapidae (venomous snakes)
- Genus: Acanthophis
- Type: Venomous terrestrial snake
- Average Size: 40 to 70 cm in length
- Distribution: Found across northern, eastern, and southern Australia, often in woodlands and coastal areas
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, and reptiles
DID YOU KNOW: Death Adders are one of the fastest-striking snakes in the world, capable of delivering a bite in just a fraction of a second. Despite their name, they are not true adders and are more closely related to other Australian elapids. Click here to see our most common callouts. Click this link to learn some interesting facts about the Death Adder.
How to Identify a Death Adder In Australia
The Death Adder is a short, stocky snake with a unique appearance that sets it apart from other Australian snakes. Its body is thick and tapers sharply to a thin, whip-like tail. Death Adders are typically adorned with a banded pattern of grey, brown, or reddish-orange, allowing them to blend seamlessly into leaf litter or rocky terrain. Their head is triangular and broad, distinct from their narrow neck, giving them a viper-like appearance. Adults usually grow to about 70 to 100 cm in length, though their stout build makes them appear much larger. Their cryptic coloration and ambush predator behavior make them difficult to spot in the wild.
Where Death Adders Live In Australia
Death Adders are found in a variety of habitats across eastern Australia, including woodlands, forests, grasslands, and coastal scrub. In Sydney, they are typically associated with bushland and areas with dense ground cover. These snakes are highly sedentary and prefer to remain motionless, relying on their camouflage to ambush prey. They are most active during the evening and night, especially in warm weather, and are often encountered near walking trails or under fallen logs in their natural habitat.
Are Death Adders In Australia Venomous?
Death Adders are among Australia’s most venomous snakes, with a fast-acting neurotoxic venom that can cause paralysis and, in severe cases, respiratory failure. They are considered extremely dangerous due to their ambush hunting strategy and lightning-fast strike. However, Death Adders are not aggressive and rarely bite unless provoked or accidentally stepped on. Their venom is potent, but with modern antivenom and prompt medical treatment, fatalities are rare.
Death Adder In Australia Safety Tips
When walking in bushland or areas where Death Adders may be present, always stick to clear trails and avoid stepping into dense vegetation or leaf litter. Wear sturdy boots and long pants to reduce the risk of snakebite. Avoid handling or disturbing logs, rocks, or debris without caution. If you encounter a Death Adder, do not approach it; back away slowly and give it space to retreat. If one is found in a populated area, contact a professional snake catcher immediately.