Northern Death Adder
Acanthophis praelongus
A stout, ambush-hunting elapid with a viper-like body shape, found across tropical northern Australia and New Guinea.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.9 m (1.6-3 ft)
- Range
- Northern Australia and southern New Guinea
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Overview
The Northern Death Adder is a short, heavy-bodied elapid that has evolved a viper-like ambush strategy despite belonging to the cobra family. It uses a thin, worm-like tail tip to lure prey within striking range.
Despite its name, it is not a true adder or viper, but its ambush behavior and stocky build closely mimic those groups through convergent evolution.
How to identify it
- Stocky, short body with a distinctly triangular, viper-like head
- Coloration variable: grey, brown, or reddish with irregular darker crossbands
- Rough-textured, keeled scales unlike the smooth scales of most elapids
- Vertically elliptical pupil, unusual among elapids
- Thin, worm-like tail tip used as a lure
- Distinguished from true vipers by scale arrangement and native range
Habitat & range
Found in tropical woodlands, monsoon forests, and leaf litter habitats across northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Often buried partially in leaf litter awaiting prey.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Ambush predator that remains motionless for long periods, wiggling its tail tip to lure lizards and small mammals within strike range. Mostly nocturnal to crepuscular. Unlike most elapids, it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Northern Death Adder dangerous?
Yes, it is a venomous species capable of a fast strike, though it is generally sluggish and non-aggressive unless disturbed.
Why is it called a death adder if it's an elapid?
It shares the ambush hunting style and stocky body shape of true adders through convergent evolution, despite belonging to the cobra family.
How does it hunt?
It lies still and wiggles its thin tail tip to lure prey close before striking.
Does it lay eggs?
No, unlike most elapids, it gives birth to live young.
Northern Death Adder guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Northern Death Adder.
