Elapidae
Northern Death Adder
Acanthophis praelongus
The Northern Death Adder is a short, banded death adder recorded from Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. AROD describes grey, brown or reddish colouring with lighter bands across the body.
Highly venomous; AROD describes long fangs and very toxic venom.
Identification and appearance
Look for a grey, brown or reddish body with lighter transverse bands. The tail tip may be lighter than, darker than or similar in colour to the rest of the tail. These clues are not a safe way to identify a snake at close range.
Typical length
AROD reports an average of about 60 cm and a maximum of 70 cm.
Key identification features
- Grey, brown or reddish body
- Lighter transverse bands
- Tail tip may contrast with the body
Where it is found
Cape York Peninsula, Queensland.
Diet
AROD says it presumably feeds on reptiles, frogs and small mammals.
Reproduction
Live-bearing.
Medical significance
A bite or possible bite should be treated as a medical emergency. Do not wait for symptoms or use this page to judge severity.
What to do if you encounter one
Keep well clear and do not handle or provoke it. If it is inside a building, keep people and pets away and contact a qualified local snake catcher.
Similar-looking snakes
Common Death Adders can look similar. Both have variable colouring and lighter bands, so colour alone does not separate them.
Photo: Greg Tasney · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Licence)
Elapidae
Common Death Adder
Acanthophis antarcticus
A short, heavy-bodied snake with a broad head and a fine tail. Death adders often remain concealed in leaf litter instead of moving away early. Their camouflage and habit of waiting for prey make the shape of the whole animal particularly useful to notice.
Open identification guideTaxonomy notes
Also known as the North-eastern Death Adder.
Sources checked
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A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.