Hawke's Death Adder
Acanthophis hawkei

Length:

to 75cm

Identification:

body stocky, head arrowed-shaped. Tail tapers rapidly and bears a spur-like scale at tip. Back any shade of grey to reddish-brown, usually with lighter bands; belly greyish to cream.

Scale Counts:

midbody scale rows 21-23; ventrals 110-135; anal single; subcaudals, mostly single, some divided at tail- tip 35-60.

Habitat:

low, sparse woodlands and grasslands on blacksoil plains.

Distribution:

known to occur on the Barkly Tableland (NT, Qld); probably more widespread.

Status:

poorly-known species.

Habits:

found both day and night.

Breeding:

live-bearer; new-born snout-vent length 19-21cm

Main Prey:

presumed to be similar to those of other death adders.

Venom:

presumed to be similar to that of other death adders.

Notes:

potentially dangerous; apply first aid and seek urgent medical attention for all suspected bites. Taxonomic status uncertain.

Similar Species:

Three other species of death adders (A. antarcticus , A. praelongus and A. pyrrhus are known to occur in Qld. Distinguishing between them is difficult, even when specimens are available.