Death adders are found throughout most of Australia, . They are ambush predators, concealing themselves in leaves, sand or gravel and twitching the ends of their tails to attract prey.
Prey consists of frogs, birds, lizards, mice and rats.
It is mainly active at night. Unlike most snakes, the death adder will not necessarily retreat from humans and may therefore be more easily trodden upon or disturbed by the unwary. They are said to be less likely to strike unless actually touched than other venomous snakes, but great caution is still advised. Acanthophis praelongus from Cape York Peninsula. Death adders are readily identified by their short squat appearance.