![]() These similarities clearly represent evolutionary convergence rather than taxonomic affinity (Saint Girons and Detrait, 1980). Although the black mamba is considerably larger, the two species resemble each other in general morphology, colour, venom toxicity, "snap and release" bite (in contrast to "chewing" bites in other elapids of both continents), clutch size (9-14 in Dendroaspis versus 7-17 in Oxyuranus), hatchling size (40-50 cm total length), rapid growth in juveniles, male combat, males growing larger than females, and feeding primarily on mammals. Īlthough no strong parallels with other Australian elapids are evident, many similarities may be noted between data presented on the taipan and by Fitzsimmons (1962) on an African elapid Dendroaspis polylepis (the black mamba). ![]() It has the longest recorded fang length of any venomous Australian snake. Its fangs are relatively long for an elapid, measuring up to 13 mm (0.51 in). The eyes are large, with an intense orange-brown iris and round pupils. The ventral surface is yellowish to cream coloured with scattered orange blotches. ![]() Dorsal scales may be slightly keeled, at least on the neck, otherwise they are smooth. The head is noticeably paler than the body, particularly in juveniles (the head will darken with age however the snout always remains pale). The species undergoes a seasonal change in colour, with individuals becoming darker in winter and fading in summer. The body colour may be yellowish, reddish brown, dark brown or almost black. This species is a medium to large snake, with a robust build and a deep, rectangular-shaped head distinct from the slender neck. No wild or captive specimen has ever measured longer than 2.9 m (9.51 ft). The larger body size of this species may be an adaptation to feeding on large prey. The largest wild-caught museum specimen reliably measured was a male with a snout-vent length of 2.26 m (7.41 ft). However, according to the Queensland Museum, the longest scientifically recorded length for the coastal taipan as recorded in Australian museum collections is only 2.9 m (9.51 ft) - that snake, which was a captive specimen, known as 'Terrence' to his friends, weighed 6.2 kg (13.67 lbs). Adults of this species are typically between 1.5 m (4.92 ft) and 2 m (6.56 ft) in length, with an absolute maximum size of 3.3 m (10.83 ft). Males tend to be slightly larger than females. This is the longest venomous snake native to Australia. There are two subspecies, there's the Papuan taipan ( Oxyuranus scutellatus canni) and then there is the nominate subspecies described in this article, the coastal taipan ( Oxyuranus scutellatus scutellatus).Ī coastal taipan ( Oxyuranus scutellatus). However, different studies give differing LD 50 values. Bryan Grieg Fry of the University of Queensland. Subcutaneous murine LD 50 is approximately is 0.106 mg/kg according to Dr. It poses a serious risk to humans as it is one of the most venomous land snakes known to man. It is the largest venomous snake in Australia and one of the largest venomous snakes in the world. The Coastal taipan ( Oxyuranus scutellatus) also commonly known as the common taipan or just simply the taipan is a highly venomous species of snake found in the coastal regions of Australia and in parts of New Guinea and it belongs to the Elapidae family and the Hydrophiinae subfamily. Distribution of the Coastal taipan in Australia and New Guinea
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