>>I don't know much about a lot of venomous species, so bare with me if I sound like I don't know what I'm talking about here. I was just curious as to what it is that makes an adder? A puff adder is a viper, although a death adder is an elapid right? I could very well be wrong about that, but if not, then how are they both adders?
>>thanks!
>>-Will


Death adders are simply a parochial name for a unique genus of Australian elapids (Acanthophis) with a morphology strongly reminiscent of the true adders (which are vipers). They are a great example of convergent evolution, filling the same ambush feeding niche as the vipers. They have evolved a number of viper like features, including a short, stout body and also the most moveable fangs of any elapid.

Cheers
Bryan
-----
Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry
Deputy Director
Australian Venom Research Unit
University of Melbourne

www.venomdoc.com

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