Scientific Name: Acanthophis wellsi
Conservation Status: Not evaluated
Body Length: Up to 52 cm
Weight: 200–300 g
Number of young: 20

Distribution: Pilbara region
Habitat: Stony-based desert, rocky escarpment and spinifex.

Description: The Pilbara Death Adder is a slender snake usually with a reddish brown to mustard yellow body and about 40 red, yellow or brown bands between paler bands.

Diet: The death adder is a carnivore and feeds on small lizards, frogs and geckos.

In the Wild: The Pilbara Death Adder is a secretive, nocturnal snake that uses the pale tip of its tail to lure lizards. The adder then strikes quickly and kills its prey with a powerful venom. The adder is usually found at the base of trees or shrubs during the day and is sometimes found buried in sand or soil.

The death adder relies heavily on camouflage to avoid detection and will remain still when approached. Its normal defense is to stay flattened and in a coiled position ready to make lightning fast strikes. If this fails to ward off a predator, it slithers away.

Unlike many reptiles, death adders are ovoviviparous which means they give birth to live young.

Threats: Pilbara Death Adders are threatened by habitat loss.

At Perth Zoo: The Pilbara Death Adder is located in the Reptile Encounter.

Did you know? The Pilbara Death Adder, along with many adders in the Acanthophis genus, is one of the most dangerous snakes in Australia and the world.