Common death adder
The common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) is a venomous Australian snake that ambushes prey and lures it with a wormlike tail tip.
Caudal luring: A hunting behavior in which an animal moves its tail to imitate prey and attract predators or prey. The adder's wormlike tail tip draws potential prey within striking distance.
Acanthophis: A genus of venomous snakes known as death adders, native to Australia and nearby regions. The common death adder is one species within this genus.
Snakebite: An injury caused when a snake's fangs puncture skin, sometimes injecting venom. A common death adder bite can cause severe envenoming and requires urgent medical care.
Death adder mimicry: The resemblance of some harmless Australian snakes to death adders in appearance or behavior. Lookalikes can be mistaken for the common death adder, despite important differences.
Ambush predator: A predator that waits concealed before attacking prey that comes within reach. The common death adder relies on concealment rather than pursuing prey.
Elapidae: A family of venomous snakes characterized by fixed front fangs, including cobras, kraits, and Australian venomous snakes. Death adders belong to the elapid family despite their viper-like appearance.
Antivenom: A biological medicine containing antibodies that neutralize specific animal venoms. Antivenom is part of clinical treatment for serious death adder envenoming.
Eastern brown snake: A highly venomous Australian snake, Pseudonaja textilis, known for active foraging. Unlike this relatively sedentary ambush hunter, the eastern brown snake commonly moves while searching for prey.
Acanthophis antarcticus venom: The toxic secretion produced by Acanthophis antarcticus and delivered through its bite. Venom helps subdue prey after the adder's close-range strike.
Snake: A limbless, elongated reptile in the suborder Serpentes. The common death adder shares the defining body plan of snakes.