Pilbara Death Adder

Identification and appearance

AROD describes a reddish-brown snake with either pale transverse bands or a dark head and dark transverse bands. The body is moderately keeled dorsally and smoother laterally. These details are for comparison at a distance only; do not inspect scales on a live snake.

Typical length

AROD lists a 43 cm species average and a maximum of 52 cm; these figures do not establish a typical adult interval.

Key identification features

• Reddish-brown body
• Pale transverse bands or a darker banded form
• Stony-soil habitat in the Pilbara

Where it is found

The Pilbara region of Western Australia, including an isolated population on North West Cape.

Habitat

Associated with stony ground in its western Australian range.

Activity

Usually active at night. It waits for prey and moves its tail tip to lure animals closer.

Diet

Takes varied prey, including frogs, lizards and small mammals, with birds also eaten occasionally.

Reproduction

Live-bearing.

Medical significance

A bite can cause serious envenoming. Treat any suspected bite as an emergency and do not use an identification result to judge safety.

What to do if you encounter one

Keep well clear, leave a route for the snake to move away and do not approach for a closer look. If it is inside, keep people and pets away and contact a qualified local snake catcher.

Similar-looking snakes

Photo: Max Tibby · CC0 1.0 (Licence)

Elapidae

Desert Death Adder

Acanthophis pyrrhus

A banded death adder of sandy and stony deserts across inland Australia. Its red or orange colouring blends with many desert soils.

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