Wild kids

Common name: Common Death Adder
Scientific name: Acanthophis antarcticus
Photo: R. W. G. Jenkins/Nature Focus, Australian Museum

Reptiles

Common Death Adder

Common Death Adders live in eastern and south-western Australia. They are found in woodlands and forests.

Common Death Adders shake their tail to lure prey close to them before they strike.

Common Death Adders eat small mammals, birds and reptiles. To find their food Common Death Adders flick their tongue to taste the air. They also use their sight.

Common Death Adders attract prey close to them by twitching their tail. They then strike with their mouth and inject venom into their prey from their fangs. They swallow their prey whole.

Birds of prey and large reptiles eat Common Death Adders.

Common Death Adders move in a side-to-side swimming motion.

Common Death Adders have two to 20 live young in the one litter. Young Common Death Adders look after themselves.