Inland Taipan: Most Venomous Snake in the World

The inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus), also called the small-scaled snake, has a body that can range in color from a dull olive green to dark brown or tan, depending on the season. Its color changes with the time of year to help regulate its body temperature: darker colors in the winter to absorb heat and lighter colors in the summer to reflect it.

The Aussie snake typically measures around 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.5 meters) in length, and its slender build allows it to move quickly and stealthily.

Like other venomous snakes, the inland taipan has sharp fangs used to inject its incredibly potent venom into prey. Unlike snakes that have multiple lines of defense, the inland taipan's primary tool is its venom.

Inland taipan venom is made up of complex toxins that can paralyze muscles, cause internal bleeding and lead to organ failure.

While the inland taipan is unique in its venom potency, it has a close relative in the coastal taipan, which also belongs to the taipan family. Found closer to the coastlines of Australia and parts of New Guinea, the other taipan isn't quite as venomous as its inland cousin but still delivers a highly potent bite capable of causing fatal envenomation.

Both of these taipans rank among the world's most dangerous land snakes, with the coastal species known for being faster and more aggressive in defensive situations, compared to its more reclusive inland relative.

A Third Taipan?

Additionally, there is some discussion among researchers about the existence of a third taipan species, the western taipan (Oxyuranus temporalis).

Discovered more recently and far less-studied, this elusive snake inhabits extremely remote desert areas and has been observed only a handful of times. While its venom hasn't been studied as extensively, it is believed to share the highly venomous traits typical of the taipan family.

Although all these taipans possess deadly venom and share similar characteristics, the inland taipan is in a league of its own in terms of the sheer toxicity of its bite.

If you're imagining this fierce snake slithering around, hunting in a pack, think again. The inland taipan is a solitary animal.

Like most venomous snakes, it doesn't need any backup when it comes to securing a meal. These snakes are highly efficient hunters, relying on their speed, stealth and venom to catch prey quickly and quietly.

Australia's inland taipan is usually active during the day, searching for its next meal or basking in the sun to regulate its body temperature.

But despite its formidable abilities, this snake is incredibly shy around humans and other large animals. If given the chance, it will always try to escape rather than engage in a fight.

This snake primarily feeds on small mammals, especially rodents like rats and mice. Its toxic venom is perfectly adapted for this diet: paralyzing and killing its prey almost instantly, reducing the risk of injury to the snake during the hunt.

The inland taipan is so efficient in its hunting strategy that it has little competition from other predators. Its venom acts quickly and ensures that its prey is subdued before it has a chance to fight back.

The inland taipan lives in some of the most remote and harsh environments of Australia.

Specifically, you'll find this snake in the arid and semiarid regions of central Australia, including areas like the Channel Country. It prefers clay or cracking-soil plains, where it can take refuge in deep cracks in the ground to escape the extreme temperatures.

Unlike some other intensely venomous snakes — such as the hook-nosed sea snake — the inland taipan is a purely terrestrial creature. It is perfectly suited for the dry, tough landscapes it calls home, making it a master of survival in one of the most unforgiving habitats on the planet.

The life cycle of an inland taipan follows the typical pattern for snakes.

Inland taipans typically breed in the late spring to early summer (October to December). Males will compete for the opportunity to mate with females, engaging in combat rituals with other males. Once a female chooses a mate, they will engage in mating, after which the female will carry fertilized eggs.

After mating, females will lay clutches of around 10 to 20 eggs in deep crevices or abandoned animal burrows. These eggs take several months to hatch, with the young taipans emerging fully independent and ready to hunt.

A baby inland taipan's venom is just as potent as its adult counterpart's, making these younglings formidable from the moment they hatch. They grow quickly, reaching maturity in just a couple of years.

In the wild, they can live up to 10 to 15 years if they manage to avoid predators and the harsh environmental conditions of the outback.

While the inland taipan might sound like a dangerous creature, it's actually a species that doesn't pose much threat to humans due to its remote habitat. Encounters are rare, and there are few recorded cases of inland taipan bite victims.

However, those unlucky enough to be bitten experience extremely painful symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and high blood pressure. Taipan snake venoms are some of the most lethal in the animal kingdom, easily surpassing even deadly sea snake venoms.

Luckily, there's antivenom available, which is critical for anyone who's bitten by this venomous snake.

While not currently considered endangered, the inland taipan faces the same environmental pressures that many animals do, including habitat loss and climate change. The good news is that its remote location has helped protect it from major human interference for now.

With the help of researchers like the late, great Venomous Snake Martin and toxicologists studying the potential benefits of snake venoms, we're continuing to learn more about these incredible animals and the life-saving potential of their toxins.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.