Taipans are among the deadliest snakes in the world. Taipans are rich brown to almost black on top, and cream or yellow with orange spots underneath. They live in New Guinea, and in most parts of Queensland and in Arnhem Land, Australia. They are found in a great variety of places, from coastal forests to the arid interior. Like brown snakes, but unlike Australia's other dangerous snakes, taipans lay eggs.
Taipans feed largely on other reptiles and small mammals.
The taipan belongs to the family Elapidae. It is Oxyuranus scutellatus. How to cite this article.