Inland Taipan
Inland taipan is an extremely high venomous snake endemic to central east Australia. The species is regarded as the most venomous snake in the world. The snake is known to be shy and reclusive.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Subphylum | Vertebrata |
Class | Reptilia |
Order | Squamata |
Suborder | Serpentes |
Family | Elapidae |
Genus | Oxyuranus |
Scientific Name | Oxyuranus microlepidotus |
Other Names | Western Taipan, The Small-scaled Snake, The Fierce Snake |
Length | 1.8 m; larger specimens can measure 2.5 m |
Color | Dark tan to brownish light-green depending on season – tend to be lighter during summer and darker during winter; sides, back and tail may be different shades of brown and gray |
Distribution | Queensland, South Australia |
Habitat | Semi-arid regions |
Diet | Mammals – mostly rodents |
Predators | king brown snake, perentie |
Venom Fact | Highly venomous |
Breeding Season | End of winter (dry season) |
Mode of Reproduction | Oviparous (egg laying) |
Clutch Size | 1 to 24 eggs |
Incubation Period | Around 2 months |
Reproductive Age | Male: 16 months of age Female: 28 months of age |
Average Lifespan | 10 to 20 years or more |
IUCN Conservation Status | Not Assessed |