The common death adder Acanthophis antarcticus
Death adders are the most distinguishable snakes in Australia. They have the habit of burying themselves in sand or leaf litter, with just their head and tail exposed whilst they lie in wait for potential prey. When a small bird, lizard or small mammal approaches, they twitch their tail rapidly like a grub to attract their prey. If the prey approaches close enough, the rapid strike rarely misses its mark.
Their habit of laying still, partially exposed, makes them difficult to see and more easily trodden on.
Death adders have suffered declines over much of their habitats due to land clearing and habitat degradation by domestic stock. Competition from introduced predators such as foxes and cats has also aided their decline.
Death adders are the most distinguishable snakes in Australia. They have the habit of burying themselves in sand or leaf litter, with just their head and tail exposed whilst they lie in wait for potential prey. When a small bird, lizard or small mammal approaches, they twitch their tail rapidly like a grub to attract their prey. If the prey approaches close enough, the rapid strike rarely misses its mark.
Their habit of laying still, partially exposed, makes them difficult to see and more easily trodden on.
Death adders have suffered declines over much of their habitats due to land clearing and habitat degradation by domestic stock. Competition from introduced predators such as foxes and cats has also aided their decline.
death adder
death adder
death adder
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