Desert Death Adder
Acanthophis pyrrhus
A reddish, sand-dwelling death adder adapted to Australia's arid interior deserts.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.75 m (1.3-2.5 ft)
- Range
- Arid interior of Western Australia, Northern Territory, and South Australia
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Overview
The Desert Death Adder is a compact, ambush-hunting elapid adapted to life in Australia's sandy interior deserts. Its reddish coloration provides effective camouflage against the red sand dunes it inhabits.
Like other death adders, it relies on stillness and a lure-like tail tip rather than active pursuit to capture prey.
How to identify it
- Reddish to orange-brown body with faint darker banding
- Stocky, short body with a broad, triangular head
- Rough, keeled scales
- Vertically elliptical pupil
- Thin, worm-like tail tip
- Distinguished from the Northern Death Adder by its more reddish coloration and desert range
Habitat & range
Restricted to arid sandy deserts, spinifex dunes, and stony plains of central and western Australia. Buries itself in loose sand with only the head and tail tip exposed.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal to crepuscular ambush hunter that lies buried in sand, luring lizards and small mammals with its tail. Slow-moving and reluctant to flee. Gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Desert Death Adder dangerous?
Yes, it is venomous and capable of a fast defensive strike despite its sluggish nature.
How does its color help it survive?
Its reddish tone camouflages it against the red desert sand it buries itself in.
Where is it found?
In the arid interior deserts of central and western Australia.
Does it actively chase prey?
No, it ambushes prey by remaining still and luring it with its tail tip.
Desert Death Adder guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Desert Death Adder.
