Acanthophis praelongus Ramsay, 1877

Scientific Classification

The northern death adder, scientifically named Acanthophis praelongus, is a venomous snake species belonging to the elapid family Elapidae.

Geographic Range

It can be found living in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Diet and Hunting

This species hunts birds, amphibians, and small mammals during both day and night.

Taxonomic Relationship

While it has a similar appearance to a viper, it is a member of the elapid family, which also contains cobras and mambas.

Habitat Types

Northern death adders occupy a wide variety of habitats, including mangroves, tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrubland.