The genus that includes both the inland taipan and the coastal taipan is Oxyuranus. These highly venomous Australian snakes belong to the elapid family, which also includes cobras, mambas, and coral snakes.
The inland taipan is Oxyuranus microlepidotus, while the coastal taipan is Oxyuranus scutellatus. A third recognized species, the Central Ranges taipan, is Oxyuranus temporalis. The genus name Oxyuranus comes from Greek words referring to a sharp, needle-like structure in the roof of the mouth.
A common mix-up is confusing Oxyuranus with taipan, which is the common name for the snakes rather than their genus. Another misconception is that the inland taipan is the most dangerous in everyday encounters. Its venom is exceptionally potent, but it is shy and lives in remote semiarid regions; the coastal taipan is more likely to encounter people.