Whether you are a tourist or whether you are a person who has a keen interest in Australia, you may have many good reasons to like this article. Many tourists and others who are keen on getting more information about Australia often come up with the question: is Australia full of snakes and spiders? Our focus in this article is to try to get the right information and knowledge on this topic.
Yes, there is no doubt that Australia has many types of snakes and spiders. They are spread across the length and breadth of the country. It should not be surprising if you come across a few of these spiders and snakes even in highly urbanized places.
Having said this, it would be wrong to suggest that the entire country is run-over and overwhelmed with spiders and snakes. If you love wildlife and would like to learn more about some of the most fascinating reptiles and arachnids, keep on reading.
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Snakes of Australia
Let us get started by understanding a few things about the snakes of Australia. Many people believe the myth that this fascinating country has the largest collection of venomous snakes in the world. There are many countries and regions where there are much larger numbers and more venomous collections of snakes and other insects and marine animals.
However, it is a fact that Australia is home to 20 of the 25 most dangerous and venomous snakes in the world. It would be wise to also mention here that the top 10 to 11 venomous snakes are from this country.
For example, the inland taipan is considered to be the most lethal and poisonous snake in the world. This snake is found only in Australia. It is highly venomous and is known to carry enough venom to kill 250,000 mice in a single bite.
The eastern brown snake and the western brown snakes are also considered to be very poisonous and they contribute to a number of fatalities, especially in rural areas. It is found in the crevices and cracks of rock plains in a place where the state of Northern Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia converge.
Mainland tiger snakes are dreaded and feared in Australia because they live in areas that are heavily populated. They frequent suburban areas with the main intention of hunting mice. People tread on them by mistake and this results in accidental bites. If left untreated, the bite can be fatal.

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Scorpions in Australia
Whenever we talk about scorpions in Australia we are often reminded about the much talked about Deathstalker. According to experts, the Deathstalker is one of the most poisonous species of scorpions not only in Australia but also across the world.
This is because its venom is made up of a highly powerful mixture of neurotoxins and it works amazingly well even in a low lethal dose. The sting from the Deathstalker is known to be extremely painful but it may not be poisonous enough to kill a fully grown human being. However, young children and those with a weak heart and other health problems may be at a high risk of fatality, unless they are treated immediately.
Apart from the above, you also have the desert scorpion, rainforest scorpion, and the famous spider-hunting scorpion, and many others. Each one of them has toxic and poisonous bites, but it would be wrong to suggest that they are spread all over the country and human beings are always at a risk because of them.
They live in their own world and interactions human-animal interactions occur mostly in areas where their habitats are too close to their comfort. Most of the scorpion stings have happened because of mistakes on the part of human beings rather than the scorpions.
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Any reason why Australia is home to so many snakes and spiders?
Australia, as we know it today, was a part of modern-day Africa, Antarctica, South America, and India. However, they got separated around 80 million years ago. Antarctica broke off around 100 million years ago and Australia was the last on the list. Hence, some of the species of snakes and spiders may have been left behind in Australia compared to other countries.