Description
The death adder is one of Australia’s most distinctive and dangerous snakes. Unlike most snakes, it has a short, stocky body with a broad, triangular head and a very short tail. Adults typically measure 60cm – 1m in length. Its colouration varies depending on the region, but it usually has bands of reddish-brown, grey, or black across its body, helping it blend seamlessly into leaf litter and soil. Death adders are ambush predators, lying motionless and using the tip of their tail as a lure to attract prey. They strike with incredible speed, delivering a potent venom.
Habitat
Death adders are found across much of eastern and coastal southern Australia, including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, as well as parts of Papua New Guinea. They prefer woodlands, forests, grasslands, and heath areas where leaf litter and ground cover provide excellent camouflage.
Diet
Death adders feed on a wide variety of animals including small mammals, frogs, reptiles, and birds. Using caudal luring, they wiggle the tip of their tail like a worm to draw prey within striking distance. Once close enough, the snake delivers a rapid strike and injects venom, then swallows its prey whole.
Reproduction
Unlike many Australian snakes, death adders give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Breeding season generally occurs in spring, and females can give birth to anywhere between 10–30 offspring at a time. The newborns are fully independent at birth and measure around 12–18cm in length.