Northern death adder

The northern death adder (Acanthophis praelongus) is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae.[1]

Northern death adder
Scientific 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 lives in Australia and Papua New Guinea.[2] It hunts birds, amphibians, and small mammals both by day and night. Though it resembles a viper, it belongs to a group of snakes that 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).[3]

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.[4]

References
  1. Acanthophis praelongus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 16 February 2016.
  2. Untamed Science: "A.praelongus" (2018-08-05)
  3. University of Adelaide, Clinical Toxinology Resources: A. praelongus (2018-07-01)
  4. Encyclopedia of Life: "A. praelongus" (2018-08-05)


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