#daly river death adder

[snakeoutbrisbane]

Daly River Rough Scale Death Adders (Acanthophis rugosus)

Some new additions to the collection! Daly River Rough Scale Death Adders, A. rugosus :) These two males are clutch mates, about 2 years old and eating like champions! The taxonomy of these snakes is still somewhat unclear; evidence suggest that "northern death adders" A praelongus should be separated into A. praelongus from Nth East QLD, A. rugosus from hilly regions of the NT and Papua New Guinea, and possibly floodplain dwelling species of A. hawkei. Accordingly, one might call these Daly River adders A. rugosus, depending on molecular divergence, physical characteristics, and other evidence. Either way, whether you call them rugosus or praelongus (or hawkei?!?), they're fascinating animals and a joy to keep, stunningly beautiful with a lightspeed strike :)