Desert death adder facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Desert death adder |
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| Yellow-reddish desert death adder | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acanthophis
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| Species: |
pyrrhus
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| Image depicting the range of the desert death adder | |
The desert death adder (Acanthophis pyrrhus) is a type of snake that lives in Australia. It is known for being one of the most venomous land snakes in the world. Sadly, the desert death adder is facing danger because its natural home is being destroyed.
What it looks like
Desert death adders are part of a group of snakes called Acanthophis. These snakes are very venomous. They have short, thick bodies and heads shaped like triangles. Their fangs can move, and their tails are thin and get narrower towards the end.
These snakes can grow up to 70 centimeters (about 27 inches) long. They often look a bit flat. Their skin can be brick-red or yellowish-red. They have yellow bands that might be strong or hard to see. These colors help them blend in with their surroundings.
The tip of their tail is special. It's darker than the rest of the tail and looks like a worm. The snake wiggles it to attract prey. Desert death adders also have longer fangs than most other venomous snakes in Australia.
A scientist named George Albert Boulenger first described this snake in 1898.
Where it lives
The desert death adder lives in many parts of Australia. You can find it along the coast of Western Australia. It also lives in central areas, as far south as Kalgoorlie, and into the Northern Territory. Another snake, the common death adder, lives in different areas.
These snakes prefer remote places. They live among porcupine grass, on stony flats, sandy ridges, and rocky outcrops. In southwest Australia, they can be found in hummock grass within mallee areas.
How it behaves
The desert death adder usually only bites if something is very close to it. They also use their bite to catch food. These snakes are most active after the sun goes down. You might only see them during the day sometimes.
They might climb onto shrubs or grasses to warm up in the morning sun. Sometimes, they are seen on roads near towns.
Desert death adders eat lizards, especially skinks and dragons. They also eat small mammals. The snake is very patient and can wait for days in ambush. It wiggles its tail tip, which looks like a worm or caterpillar. This trick attracts lizards, making them an easy meal.
Its venom
Desert death adders have large fangs. Their bodies produce a lot of strong venom. This venom is mainly a neurotoxin. This means it affects the nervous system. In the past, about half the people bitten by these snakes would die without treatment.
Today, bites from desert death adders are rare in Australia. But they are still considered very dangerous snakes.
Babies
Desert death adders mate during spring or early summer. The baby snakes are born in late summer or early autumn. Unlike most snakes that lay eggs, desert death adders give birth to live young. A mother can have up to 13 baby snakes in one litter.
See also
In Spanish: Víbora de la muerte del desierto para niños
