A squat, viper-like Australian elapid that ambushes prey by wriggling its grub-shaped tail tip as a lure.
Description
The common death adder is a short, thick-bodied elapid usually under a metre, with a wide triangular head, vertical pupils, and rough keeled scales — all features that make it look more like a viper than an elapid. The tail ends in a slim, hooked, grub-like tip.
Behavior
A classic sit-and-wait ambush hunter, the death adder buries itself in leaf litter and twitches the curled tip of its tail to imitate a worm. When a lizard or frog approaches, it delivers a lightning-fast strike with the longest fangs of any Australian elapid.
Range
Native to coastal eastern and southern Australia, with related species across northern Australia and New Guinea. Habitat loss and cane toad invasion have reduced populations in many areas, though the species remains widespread in suitable habitat.
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