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This page is an assignment for Biology 312, Animal Physiology, and is
for educational purposes only.
email me: schutchins@davidson.edu
| Scientists are generally undecided as to which is the most dangerous Australian Elapid snake. The Taipan has the most potent venom, though documented cases of snakebite by this animal are very few. The Tigersnake and Brownsnake are responsible for the most deaths, mainly because they inhabit the most populated areas. Thus, the debate continues. Click on one of the links to the left to decide for yourself. |
The following is a table of LD50's for the most dangerous
of the Australian Elapids.
An LD50 is the amount of venom needed to kill 50% of the
animals exposed to
it. The table takes into account both venom toxicity and average
venom yield.
| Species | LD50 |
| Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) | 218,000 |
| Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) | 95,000 |
| Tigersnake (Notechis scutatus) | 15,000 |
| Common Death Adder (Acanthopis antarcticus) | 12,000 |
| King brown snake (Pseudechis australis) | 5000 |
| Common brownsnake (Pseudonaja textilis) | 4000 |
| Common blacksnake (Pseudechis perphyriacus) | 700 |
This page is an assignment for Biology 312, Animal Physiology, and is
for educational purposes only.
email me: schutchins@davidson.edu