Northern Death Adder
Acanthophis praelongus

Length:

to 60cm

Identification:

body stocky, head arrowed-shaped. Tail tapers rapidly and bears a spur-like scale at tip. Back brown to reddish-brown with numerous crossbands; belly mostly whitish.

Scale Counts:

midbody scale rows usually 23 (rarely 21); ventrals 122-134; anal single; subcaudals, mostly single, some divided at tail-tip 47-57.

Habitat:

wet and dry eucalypt forests and woodlands.

Distribution:

northern Australia.

Status:

common locally; believed to be declining.

Habits:

found both day and night; usually motionless, concealed in leaf-litter.

Breeding:

live-bearer; one record of 6 young; new-born total length 12-13cm.

Main Prey:

frogs, Cane Toads (with fatal consequences) small reptiles, birds and mammals.

Venom:

strongly neurotoxic

Notes:

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

Similar Species:

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