Adder snakes are some of the most fascinating and misunderstood reptiles in the world. Known for their distinctive patterns and venomous bites, adders belong to the viper family and are native to various parts of Europe, Asia and Africa.
The European adder, in particular, is famous for being the only venomous snake native to much of Northern Europe. Despite their fearsome reputation, adders are generally shy and avoid human contact whenever possible.
Adder populations play a crucial role in their ecosystems, helping to control populations of small mammals and other prey species. Join us in exploring nine different species of adder snakes, their unique characteristics and the behaviors that make them such interesting members of the viper family.
1. Berg Adder
The Berg adder (Bitis atropos) is a small, venomous viper species native to the mountainous regions of southern Africa. This snake has a distinctive pattern of gray or brown bands that help it blend into rocky terrain.
Despite its small size, the Berg adder’s venom is neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system and potentially causing severe symptoms in humans. Like other adders, the Berg adder is generally shy and reclusive, preferring to avoid contact with humans whenever possible.
2. Common Adder
The common adder, also known as the northern viper, is another name often used to refer to the European adder (Vipera berus). It’s the most widespread adder snake, living throughout much of Europe and into Asia. It’s the only native venomous snake found in much of Northern Europe, including the UK and Scandinavia.
These adders are known for their distinctive zigzag or apparent dorsal pattern running down their backs, which can vary in color from dark brown to black. The snake thrives in a variety of habitats, from woodlands to heathlands, where they hunt small mammals, birds and amphibians.
Adders hibernate during the winter and emerge in the spring, where males perform a dramatic adder dance to compete for females. Adder bites are rare and typically occur when hikers accidentally step on or threaten the snake. While a common adder bite is still serious, it is rarely fatal to humans.
3. Death Adder
The death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus) is native to Australia and is one of the most venomous snakes in the world. Unlike most vipers, the death adder has a short, stocky body and a broad, triangular head.
It’s an ambush predator, often lying in wait for its prey to come close before striking with lightning speed. The death adder’s venom is highly toxic, capable of causing paralysis or even death if untreated, but it’s important to note that this snake only bites when threatened or provoked.
4. Field Adder
The endangered field adder (Vipera ursinii) lives in open, grassy areas, although some people also use the name “field adder” to refer to the common European adder when it inhabits fields, meadows and forest edges. Fittingly, another common name for this snake species is meadow viper.
The field adder’s patterning helps it blend into its environment, making it difficult for predators and humans to spot. Like other adder species, field adders hibernate during the colder months and are most active during the warmer seasons.
5. Gaboon Adder
The Gaboon adder (Bitis gabonica), also known as the Gaboon viper, is one of the largest and heaviest vipers in the world (18 pounds, or 8 kg), living in the rainforests and savannas of central and western Africa.
This snake is famous for its long fangs and high venom yield, but it is generally docile and rarely bites unless provoked.
The Gaboon adder has a striking pattern of browns, purples and whites, which provides excellent camouflage in the leaf litter of the forest floor. Despite its fearsome appearance, the Gaboon adder plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations in its native habitat.
6. Horned Adder
The horned adder (Bitis caudalis), also known as the horned viper, is native to the arid regions of southern Africa. It’s easily recognizable by the small, horn-like scales above its eyes, which give it a menacing appearance.
This small, venomous snake relies on its camouflage to ambush prey, usually small mammals, and birds. The horned adder’s venom is cytotoxic, meaning it affects the blood and tissues of its prey and causes pain, but it is not considered highly dangerous to humans.
7. Puff Adder
The puff adder (Bitis arietans) is one of Africa’s most dangerous and widespread venomous snakes, known for its potent venom and aggressive nature when threatened. The thick-bodied snake has a distinctive pattern of light and dark bands that help it blend into its surroundings.
This snake species is responsible for many adder bites in Africa, usually the result of accidental encounters. Despite their fearsome reputation, puff adder populations play an important role in controlling local populations of small mammals and other prey.
8. Red Adder
The Red adder (Bitis rubida) is a small, venomous snake species native to the semiarid regions of South Africa. This adder has a reddish-brown coloration that helps it blend into the sandy soil of its habitat.
Despite its small size, the red adder is a skilled hunter of small mammals and other prey, using its venom to subdue its catches quickly. It tends to hide under rocks and other low cover, and is most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
9. Sand Adder
The sand adder (Vipera ammodytes), also known as the sand viper or horned viper, is native to southern Europe, particularly in Italy, Turkey and the Balkans. It is recognizable by the horn-looking bump on its snout and is known for its potent venom, which is highly dangerous to humans.
The sand adder often lives in rocky, sandy areas, where its coloration helps it blend in with its surroundings. Males have dark black, gray or brown coloring on their heads and a distinctive V-shaped mark; females have similar color but lack the V-shaped mark.
We created this article conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.
Original article: 9 Adder Snake Species That Pack a Nasty Bite
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