Death Adder

Death adders are Australasian elapids that have convergently evolved a viper-like body form and ambush hunting style, despite being taxonomically related to cobras and coral snakes rather than true adders. They are among the most heavily venomous ambush predators in Australia.

Unlike most fast-moving elapids, death adders sit motionless, camouflaged, and lure prey using a worm-like tail-tip movement before striking with remarkable speed.

• Short, stocky body with a broad, triangular, viper-like head
• Banded pattern of reddish-brown, gray, or black crossbands
• Short, thin tail ending in a small, worm-like lure tip
• Vertical-appearing pupils in bright light due to elliptical constriction (unusual among elapids)
• Distinguished from true vipers by scale characteristics and lack of heat-sensing pits

Occupies forest leaf litter, woodland, heath, and arid scrub across much of Australia and parts of New Guinea, relying on camouflage among leaf litter and low vegetation rather than active roaming.

A sit-and-wait ambush predator, remaining coiled and motionless for long periods, twitching its tail tip to lure lizards, birds, and small mammals. Strikes with extreme speed once prey approaches. Ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young.