Facts about the animal kingdom

Types of Taipan Snake Species

 
Nick A. Romero
By Nick A. Romero, Biologist and environmental educator. Updated: July 23, 2024
Types of Taipan Snake Species

Many of us may think there is only one type of tapian snake, but there are more. All snakes within the genus Oxyuranus are types of tapian snake, of which there are three individual species. They are known as being one of the most venomous snakes in the world. Combined with the fact they can strike incredibly quickly, they can easily hide and are large in size, it makes them one of the deadliest snakes in the world.

At AnimalWised, we learn more about the different types of taipan snake species. We provide characteristics of the snakes, information about their habitat and behaviors, as well as photos so you can be sure to avoid them if you ever come across one.

You may also be interested in: Types of Mongoose Species
Contents
  1. Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)
  2. Coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus)
  3. Central Ranges Taipan (Oxyuranus temporalis)

Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)

Although they formerly had a much wider distribution, the inland taipan is now found mainly in south-west Queensland and South Australia. Also known as the western taipan, the small-scaled snake or the fierce snake, they live on alluvial plains and areas with dry soil. Their habitat has very little vegetation with the inland taipan normally taking refuge in rocks and burrows of other animals.

The size of this ferocious snake is medium to large with an average of 6 ft in length. Their body is robust with a triangular shaped head. They have large eyes with a dark iris and rounded pupils. The inland taipan's coloration is seasonal, with their back being dark brown in winter and olive yellow in summer. Their belly is always yellowish with orange spots. The reason for the color change is due to thermoregulation reaction against ambient temperatures.

The inland taipan is a carnivorous animal, feeding mainly on mammals, especially rats and mice in their habitat range. They are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the daylight hours. The inland taipan's name of fierce snake is well justified since they are the most venomous of the three taipan species. In fact, the venom of the inland taipan has been recorded as being the most toxic of all snake species.

Despite their lethality, incidents of taipan snakes killing humans are relatively rare. This is due to their reclusive behavior and habitats away from human populations. However, we always need to be careful when we see an inland taipan since they will not hesitate to attack if they feel threatened. They will usually warn when they are disturbed, but they will attack with speed and precision.

In terms of conservation status, the inland taipan snake is classified as least concern. Despite this face, it is not without potential threats. These include the reduction of their prey by the introduction of other predators and possible alterations to their habitat.

If you want to learn about some other deadly animal species, take a look at our article on the most venomous animals in the world.

Types of Taipan Snake Species - Inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)

Coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus)

Also known as the common taipan, this type of taipan snake has a wide distribution which ranges from western Australia to northern Queensland. It also stretches up the east coast into New South Wales. It is present on the southern coast of Papua New Guinea and in Indonesian New Guinea, in the southeastern area. The habitat is represented by various land formations such as forests, jungles, sclerophyllous ecosystems, wooded slopes and plantations.

The coastal taipan snake is also medium to large in size, with an average length of between 5 and 6.5 ft. Examples of of longer individual specimens have been recorded. Their triangular head is lighter than the rest of their, but tends to be thinner at the base of their skull. Their belly is cream colored with orange spots, while the back darkens to dark brown or reddish in winter and lightens to yellowish in summer.

Two subspecies of this type of taipan snake have been identified:

  • Papuan taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus canni)
  • New Guinea taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus scutellatus)

As with the inland taipan, the coastal taipan is also a carnivorous animal that mainly hunts rats and mice. They are most active in the early morning and at dusk. However, when the weather is warm, it can be active at night.

This animal prefers to avoid confrontations with people. If it has the opportunity to flee it will do so, otherwise it will not hesitate to attack quickly in the face of any threat. Its venom is highly toxic, so if the antidote is not used in time, it is lethal to a person. This makes it one of the most dangerous animals in Australia.

It is classified as least concern in terms of conservation, as no threats have been identified that may be affecting the species.

Types of Taipan Snake Species - Coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus)

Central Ranges Taipan (Oxyuranus temporalis)

Due to their similar appearance, this type of taipan is sometimes confused with the western brown snake (Pseudonaja mengdeni). Further study is required to confirm the distribution of this type of taipan snake. However, it has been identified in Western Australia with a smaller presence in the northern territory. For this reason, it is also known as as the Western Desert taipan. As far as we are aware, their habitat includes areas of red sandy soils, dunes with the presence of certain eucalypts, ecosystems with scattered weeds and some shrubby undergrowth.

This species was only discovered and identified in 2007 and not many more individuals have been found. The size is similar to that of other taipans, with an average 6 ft in length. The head is rectangular, but tapers to the snout, which is rounded, and has large eyes with black irises. Their coloration is light brown with some olive-grey patterns. The head has a much lighter coloration than the rest of the body.

It is suggested that it has a specialized mammalian diet. Although its venom is slightly less toxic than that of the inland taipan, it is still lethal if they bite a person. Great care must be taken in the event of encounters with this species. The first identified individual was seen during a warm afternoon and did not flee in the face of human presence, but rather adopted a threatening posture.

It is classified in the category of least concern and no particular threats are reported for this Australian taipan snake.

Types of Taipan Snake Species - Central Ranges Taipan (Oxyuranus temporalis)
Image: Jordan Vos (flickr.com)

If you want to read similar articles to Types of Taipan Snake Species, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category.

Bibliography
  • Beatson, C. (2020). Coastal Taipan. Australian Museum. Retrieved from: https://australian.museum/learn/animals/reptiles/coastal-taipan/
  • Beatson, C. (2021). Inland Taipan. Australian Museum. Retrieved from: https://australian.museum/learn/animals/reptiles/inland-taipan/
  • STI (2022). Oxyuranus. Retrieved from: https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=700237#null
  • Shea, G., Ellis, R. & Oliver, P. (2017). Oxyuranus temporalis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved from: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T42493183A42493187.en
  • Tallowin, O., Parker, F., O'Shea, M., Hoskin, C., Vanderduys, E., Amey, A. & Couper, P. (2018). Oxyuranus scutellatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved from: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T42493166A42493177.en
  • The Reptile Database. Oxyuranus temporalis. Retrieved from: https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Oxyuranus&species=temporalis
  • Wilson, S., Dickman, C., Hobson, R., & Sanderson, C. (2018). Oxyuranus microlepidotus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved from: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T42493150A42493160.en
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Types of Taipan Snake Species