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Desert death adder

desert death adder (Acanthophis pyrrhus)
Port Hedland, Western Australia
Photo © Stephen Zozaya
Acanthophis pyrrhus - Boulenger, 1898
Pronunciation  AK-anth-OH-fiss   PI-russ
Etymology  Acanthophis: 'spine snake', refering to the spine at the tip of the tail.
pyrrhus: 'flame-coloured'.
Other names   
 
Total length
Species avg: 50 cm
Species max: 70 cm
Reproduction
Live-bearing
Litter size
Range: 10 - 13
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

Dorsal scales are strongly keeled. Red or orange body with lighter transverse bands across the body. Tail tip is usually dark. Prefrontal scales are divided.

Similar species

Pilbara death adder (Acanthophis wellsi) - usually has undivided prefrontal scales, versus divided in A. pyrrhus; scales keeled dorsally but smooth laterally, as opposed to keeled laterally in A. pyrrhus.

Scale count information


Dorsal scales at midbody   19 to 21
Ventrals   120 to 160 with a single anal scale
Subcaudals   40 to 65 and are single anteriorly-divided posteriorly
Other scale information   Subcaudals are single anteriorly and divided posteriorly.
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 pyrrhus at the Australian Reptile Online Database. Last updated 2017-06-15 11:17:00.
  Retrieved from http://arod.com.au/arod/?species=Acanthophis+pyrrhus on the 30th 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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