Coastal Taipan
Oxyuranus scutellatus
Coastal Taipans are mainly diurnal, active in the early to mid-morning period. They are oviparous (egg-laying) where the female lays up to 21 soft-shelled eggs in a log hollow or cavities in the ground. The Coastal Taipan is often regarded as the most dangerous snake in Australia. They are extremely nervous and alert snakes, and any movement near them can cause them to defend themselves.
- Size:
- Max size of 2.9 metres length
- Diet:
- Small mammals such as rats, mice and bandicoots
- Speed:
- Fast moving snake, perhaps max of 15km/hr
- Habitat:
- Forests but also inhabit cane fields and even near human habitations
- Superpower:
- Highly venomous cocktail of venom, including potent neurotoxins that shut down respiratory systems. Considered the third most venomous snake in the world.