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North-eastern death adder

north-eastern death adder (Acanthophis praelongus)
Iron Range, Queensland
Photo © Stewart Macdonald
Acanthophis praelongus - Ramsay, 1877
Pronunciation  AK-anth-OH-fiss   pree-LONG-uss
Etymology  Acanthophis: 'spine snake', refering to the spine at the tip of the tail.
praelongus: 'very long', in reference to the long tail.
Other names   
 
Total length
Species avg: 60 cm
Species max: 70 cm
Reproduction
Live-bearing
Litter size
Length and clutch size information comes from a variety of sources, but primarily from Shine (1991) and Cogger (2000).
Description Distribution Natural history Conservation Further information More photos

Description

Moderately to strongly keeled scales. Grey, brown or reddish, with lighter transverse bands across body. Tail tip may be lighter than, darker than, or same as rest of tail.

Similar species

Taxonomic notes

Despite being such iconic and medically significant species, the taxonomy of Australian death adders is still a mess. See the genus notes for more details.

Scale count information


Dorsal scales at midbody   21
Ventrals   110 to 135 with a single anal scale
Subcaudals   35 to 60 and are single
Other scale information   Scales on the neck and anterior part of the body are strongly keeled. A few posterior subcaudals scales may be divided.
Danger rating   Highly dangerous - long fangs, and very toxic venom.
Note: even a bite from a 'virtually harmless' or non-venomous reptile can result in serious complications. Play it safe and don't get bitten by anything.
Notes and disclaimer
This information may not be complete. While all care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this page, primary sources should always be consulted for definitive information. Animals have an endearing habit of disobeying the rules, so the information on this page should be interpreted with a degree of flexibility.
The author and site operator accepts no responsibility for any losses or damages incurred through using this web site or the information contained herein. Don't get bitten by anything!
This page may be cited as:
  Acanthophis praelongus at the Australian Reptile Online Database. Last updated 2017-04-14 16:59:06.
  Retrieved from http://arod.com.au/arod/?species=Acanthophis+praelongus on the 29th of March, 2024.
Before citing information contained in AROD, please read our Citing AROD page.

Copyright notice
This page, its content and layout are copyright © 2007-2024 Stewart Macdonald / Ug Media, unless otherwise stated.
All photographs in The Australian Reptile Online Database are © the photographer and may not be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the photographer.
No part of The Australian Reptile Online Database may be reproduced without written permission from Stewart Macdonald.
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