Fangtastic Facts
Photography: © David Clode
Inland Taipan
(Oxyuranus microlepidotus)
The inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) is a medium to large snake, reaching an average length of around 2 metres. They are usually quite shy snakes that avoid people, and their remote environment means they have limited contact with humans. Contrary to popular belief, the name 'fierce', refers to the toxicity of their venom, rather than their temperament.
Other names
Fierce snake, Western taipan, Small-scaled snake
Description
Like many snakes, they vary in colour, from a pale fawn to light or dark brown. The lower anterior edge of their dorsal scales is usually blackish brown, creating a striking herringbone pattern along the length of their body. Their head and neck are darker than the body and vary from dark brown in summer to glossy black in winter. Orange blotches are generally visible on the belly, which is also a feature seen in brown snakes (Pseudonaja species).
The darker colouration of inland taipans in winter and lighter colouration during the hotter months is believed to assist with thermoregulation. The darker head allows the snake to absorb heat safely, with only a small part of its body needing to be exposed at the burrow entrance, while the lighter colour helps prevent overheating during hotter months.
It can sometimes be confused with the western brown snake (Pseudonaja nuchalis) and the eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis).
Important: Colour, markings and overall appearance can vary considerably between individual snakes. Photographs, descriptions and information on this website should not be relied upon to identify a potentially venomous snake. If you encounter a snake, keep your distance and leave identification and removal to trained professionals.
Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) in its darker winter phase. Photography: © Amanda Long
Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) with dark herringbone pattern. Photography: © David Clode
Identification
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Midbody: 23 rows
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Ventrals: 211-250
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Subcaudals: 55-70 divided
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Anal: single
Distribution
The inland taipan has a relatively restricted distribution compared with many other Australian snakes. Its principal Australian range is in the Channel Country of south-western Qld and north-eastern South Australia.
Diet
The inland taipan is an opportunistic feeder that targets rats and shelters in their burrows. The long haired rat (Rattus villosissimus) and the introduced house mouse (Mus musculus) are its primary food source, however, small mammals may also be eaten. Inland taipans often deliver multiple targeted bites to subdue their prey and avoid being injured while their fast activity venom takes effect.
Reproduction
The inland taipan is oviparous, laying between 10 and 24 eggs per clutch. Eggs are usually laid in an abandoned mammal burrow or deep rock crevice. The eggs incubate for approximately 60 days, however, the duration can be influenced by temperature and humidity.
In captivity, inland taipans normally live around 10-15 years, although longer lifespans are on record. An individual inland taipan at Australia Zoo lived for more than 20 years!
Venom
The inland taipan is widely regarded as the world’s most venomous snake, based on laboratory measurements of venom toxicity. Its venom is approximately four times more toxic than that of the coastal taipan when toxicity is measured using mouse LD50 tests.
Its venom contains powerful neurotoxic components and other toxins that can interfere with the nervous system, muscles and blood-clotting system. It also contains hyaluronidase, an enzyme sometimes described as a “spreading factor” because it assists the movement and absorption of venom through tissues.
Although its venom is toxic, its complex mixture of toxins has also made it a valuable subject of scientific research. By studying how these venom components affect the human body, researchers have gained insights that may help advance the development of new medicines and therapeutic treatments. To learn more about how venom from the inland taipan is studied, check out the venom page.
Predators
Although adult inland taipans have few natural predators, they may still be threatened by large perentie monitor lizards. Juveniles are also preyed upon by mulga snakes, which are resistant to the venom of the inland taipan.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List classifies the inland taipan as a species of least concern.
Fangtastic Fact
The inland taipan carries the title of the world’s most venomous snake, but that doesn’t make it the most dangerous. These shy snakes are unlikely to be encountered in the wild and generally prefer to retreat if encountered. In fact, there have been NO recorded deaths from beautiful species. Most bites on record have involved herpetologists, zoo keepers, venom extractors or professional snake handlers who are deliberately interacting with them.
Disclaimer
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Content on this website is provided for general educational purposes and is not suitable for identifying snakes or guiding interactions with them. While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is made regarding completeness or suitability for specific circumstances. Wild snakes should not be approached or handled, and professional snake catchers should be contacted if assistance is required. By using this website, users acknowledge and accept these terms.
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