What is the most venomous snake in the world based on LD50?

The most venomous snake in the world based on LD50 tests is the inland taipan. Its venom has an exceptionally low median lethal dose in laboratory mouse studies, meaning only a very small quantity is needed to kill half of the test animals. The species is also called the western taipan or fierce snake and is native to semiarid regions of central Australia.

Its venom is especially potent against mammals because the inland taipan specializes in hunting rodents. A single bite can deliver enough venom to be dangerous to many people, although the snake is famously shy and rarely encounters humans. No confirmed human death from an inland taipan bite has occurred since specific antivenom and modern medical treatment became available.

A common mix-up is the coastal taipan, which is also highly venomous and may deliver more venom in a bite. However, “most venomous” usually refers to venom potency measured by LD50, not venom quantity, aggressiveness, or the number of human deaths. LD50 comparisons also depend on the injection route and test method.