Nature & Environment
New Deadly 'Death Adder' Species Discovered in Australia
Kathleen Lees
First Posted: Sep 17, 2015 04:58 PM EDT
Scientists have discovered another species of deadly ‘death adder' snakes. (And yes--we know we're being a bit redundant with adverb usage.)
In the remote Kimberly region of Western Australia, the animal was found, measuring in at a little over 19 inches, with a diamond shaped head, using its tail to trap in prey.
Scientifically known as Acanthophis cryptamydros, scientists had once believed that the death adders found in the western region were the same species. However, now after a thorough examination of a number of snakes, they have discovered this new species unique to the area.
"The consistent differences between the Kimberley death adders and all other Acanthophis across three independent genetic loci, morphology, and color pattern lead us to conclude that these populations represent a separate species from all other Australian Acanthophis." the researchers wrote, in a paper.
And make no mistake. Death adders are coined with such a lethal label for a very specific reason. Their venom is incredibly poisonous. And just one bite can result in total paralysis, with the respiratory system shutting down in just about six hours. Furthermore, it's estimated that close to 50 percent of bites from these snakes are indeed fatal, according to The Independent.
Probably best to stay away if you're ever near one. Or in Kimberly, Western Australia.
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First Posted: Sep 17, 2015 04:58 PM EDT
Scientists have discovered another species of deadly ‘death adder' snakes. (And yes--we know we're being a bit redundant with adverb usage.)
In the remote Kimberly region of Western Australia, the animal was found, measuring in at a little over 19 inches, with a diamond shaped head, using its tail to trap in prey.
Scientifically known as Acanthophis cryptamydros, scientists had once believed that the death adders found in the western region were the same species. However, now after a thorough examination of a number of snakes, they have discovered this new species unique to the area.
"The consistent differences between the Kimberley death adders and all other Acanthophis across three independent genetic loci, morphology, and color pattern lead us to conclude that these populations represent a separate species from all other Australian Acanthophis." the researchers wrote, in a paper.
And make no mistake. Death adders are coined with such a lethal label for a very specific reason. Their venom is incredibly poisonous. And just one bite can result in total paralysis, with the respiratory system shutting down in just about six hours. Furthermore, it's estimated that close to 50 percent of bites from these snakes are indeed fatal, according to The Independent.
Probably best to stay away if you're ever near one. Or in Kimberly, Western Australia.
Related Articles
Snake Ancestors Had Four Legs: Ancient Fossil Reveals Evolution of Snakes
For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).
See Now: NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone