What is a death adder?
A death adder is a venomous Australian snake with a short, thick body, triangular head and thin tail. Death adders are ambush predators, lying hidden in leaf litter or sand and luring prey with a worm-like tail tip.
Several species of death adder are found across most of mainland Australia and in New Guinea. The common death adder lives in eastern and southern Australia.
Death adders usually grow to less than one metre long. Their color varies from grey to reddish-brown, often with bands, helping them blend into their surroundings.
Hunting and venom
Death adders wiggle the tips of their tails to attract lizards, birds and small mammals. When prey comes close, they strike with one of the fastest strikes of any snake.
Their venom is mainly neurotoxic, causing paralysis. Before antivenom became available, bites were often fatal.
Death adders are threatened in some areas by habitat loss and cane toads, which poison snakes that try to eat them. They rely on camouflage and stay still when approached, so people may step on them accidentally. Wearing sturdy shoes in the bush is recommended.