Northern death adder

Northern death adder
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Genus: Acanthophis
Species:
A. praelongus
Binomial name
Acanthophis praelongus
Ramsay, 1877

The northern death adder (Acanthophis praelongus) is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae.[2]

The northern death adder lives in Australia and Papua New Guinea.[3] It hunts birds, amphibians, and small mammals both by day and night. Though it resembles a viper, it belongs to the elapid family, which also includes cobras and mambas.

Venom

The venom of the northern death adder is highly potent against the human organism. It contains pre- and postsynaptic neurotoxins, possibly myotoxins and anticoagulants as well. An envenoming by this snake is very dangerous, and all bites should be treated as medical emergencies. Main effects include local pain and flaccid paralysis, death can be caused by respiratory failure. In the case of systemic effects of envenoming key treatment is based on antivenom applications ('Polyvalent Snake Antivenom (Australia - New Guinea)' CSL Limited, 'Death Adder Antivenom', CSL Limited).[4]

Habitat

Northern death adders can be found in a wide range of habitats, including mangroves, tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrubland.[5]

References

  1. ^ Hoskin, C.; Vanderduys, E.; Amey, A.; Couper, P.; Cogger, H. (2018). "Acanthophis praelongus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018 e.T42492787A42492791. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T42492787A42492791.en. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  2. ^ Acanthophis praelongus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 16 February 2016.
  3. ^ "The Death adder: Australia's top ambush predator Acanthophis antarcticus". Untamed Science. Retrieved 2018-08-05.
  4. ^ "Acanthophis praelongus". Clinical Toxinology Resources. University of Adelaide. Archived from the original on 20 January 2022.
  5. ^ "Acanthophis praelongus". The Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 2018-08-05.


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