smooth scaled death adder
smooth scaled death adder Lexical Profile
• noun
A highly venomous species of elapid snake (Acanthophis laevis) native to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and surrounding islands, distinguished from other members of its genus by having relatively smooth, rather than strongly keeled, dorsal scales.
"During the expedition in Papua New Guinea, the herpetologist carefully documented the camouflage techniques of a smooth scaled death adder resting among the leaf litter."
Word Nuance & Usage
Despite the word 'adder' in its name, this species is a biological false friend; it is actually a highly venomous elapid (related to cobras) rather than a true viper, demonstrating a classic example of convergent evolution.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The name references the species' relatively smooth dorsal scales compared to other death adders (genus Acanthophis). The term 'death adder' historically evolved from 'deaf adder,' as these ambush predators rely on camouflage and do not flee from approaching footsteps.