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Common death adder
Acanthophis antarcticus
-16.6642, 145.564
Field Notes
Description:
Death adders are easily distinguishable from other snakes by the very short, squat bodies, rapidly tapering tail and the broad triangular head. Colouration varies widely but most species exhibit some form of banded pattern in shades of brown or grey. The tail tip is usually a different colour to the rest of the body, often brightly coloured and is used as a lure by wriggling it to attract potential prey. Adult death adders are rarely longer than a metre in length. Despite their short size they possess the longest fangs of any Australian snake.
Habitat:
The Common death adder occurs over much of eastern and coastal southern Australia. In central Australia it is replaced by the Desert death adder while to the north the Northern death adder takes over. There are also several other species around the country with more restricted ranges. Common death adders inhabit open woodland, scrub and heathland areas.
Notes:
Photos of a captive Common death adder taken in Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, Australia
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