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Barkly Death Adder

Barkly Death Adder (Acanthophis hawkei)
Barkly Tablelands, Northern Territory
Photo © Chris Jolly
Acanthophis hawkei - Wells & Wellington, 1985
Pronunciation  AK-anth-OH-fiss   HAWK-ee
Etymology  Acanthophis: 'spine snake', refering to the spine at the tip of the tail.
hawkei: named after former Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke,
Other names   
 
Total length
Species avg: 130 cm
Reproduction
Live-bearing
Litter size
Length and clutch size information comes from a variety of sources, but primarily from Shine (1991) and Cogger (2000).
Description Distribution Natural history Conservation Further information More photos

Description

Morphological characters for this species are poorly defined, reflecting uncertainty that it represents a valid species (see Taxonomic notes below). A stout and robust snake. Colouration is typically reported as pale brown or greyish with darker cross-bands along the length of the body. Body scales are smooth to moderately keeled, with keeled scales more prevalent anteriorly.

Similar species

Very similar to Top End death adder (Acanthophis rugosus), with which it might be conspecific. We are aware of no reliable characters to differentiate the two.

Taxonomic notes

Species status remains uncertain. There is modest mitochondrial genetic divergence between A. hawkei and A. rugosus (Wüster et al. 2005; Maddock et al. 2015); however, we consider this to be preliminary data and not sufficient to delimit species boundaries. Because of its now widespread recognition, we have included A. hawkei as a distinct species pending more in-depth taxonomic work.

Scale count information


Dorsal scales at midbody   21 to 23
Ventrals   110 to 140 with a single anal scale
Subcaudals   35 to 60 and are single anteriorly-divided posteriorly
Other scale information  
Danger rating   Highly dangerous — long fangs, and very toxic venom.
Note: even a bite from a 'virtually harmless' or non-venomous reptile can result in serious complications. Play it safe and don't get bitten by anything.
Notes and disclaimer
This information may not be complete. While all care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this page, primary sources should always be consulted for definitive information. Animals have an endearing habit of disobeying the rules, so the information on this page should be interpreted with a degree of flexibility.
The author and site operator accepts no responsibility for any losses or damages incurred through using this web site or the information contained herein. Don't get bitten by anything!
This page may be cited as:
  Acanthophis hawkei at the Australian Reptile Online Database. Last updated 2019-03-22 13:10:19.
  Retrieved from http://arod.com.au/arod/?species=Acanthophis+hawkei on the 29th of March, 2024.
Before citing information contained in AROD, please read our Citing AROD page.

Copyright notice
This page, its content and layout are copyright © 2007-2024 Stewart Macdonald / Ug Media, unless otherwise stated.
All photographs in The Australian Reptile Online Database are © the photographer and may not be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the photographer.
No part of The Australian Reptile Online Database may be reproduced without written permission from Stewart Macdonald.
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