Taipans

Taipans are large, fast moving, highly venomous snakes with long fangs. They produce very large amounts of venom, which prior to the introduction of antivenom (1955), was was said to be fatal in more than 90% of taipan envenomations. Two distinct species are described in Australia; the coastal taipan (O. scutellatus scutellatus), and the western/inland taipan (O. microlepidotus), which is also known as the fierce snake and the small scaled snake. A related species, O. scutellatus canni, is found in Papua New Guinea

The coastal taipan (O. scutellatus scutellatus) is an aggressive and highly venomous snake. It is found along the coast of northern Australia from Brisbane to the Kimberleys in Western Australia. It has the largest fangs (13mm) of all Australian venomous snakes and is also the longest venomous Australian snake (up to 3m). It usually hunts during the day, except in very hot weather, when it hunts in the evening. Its diet consists mainly of rats and mice, so it is attracted to barns, farms and other habitations. It is not usually aggressive unless cornered or attacked. Then it may strike rapidly, inflicting multiple bites. The average venom yield is approximately 120mg, and a maximum yield of 400mg has been recorded. The clinical syndrome includes severe neurotoxicity and coagulopathy. Rhabdomyolysis is a lesser feature. Taipan or polyvalent antivenom is required to treat this envenomation.

The head is distinct from the body, which in the adult is usually light or dark brown, with a creamy yellow abdomen. The eyes have a round pupil and an orange iris. Clutches of 10-20 eggs are produced.