Adder
ExploreReptiles
Adder
Vipera berus
The Adder is a small snake with a zigzag pattern on its back! They are usually shy and prefer to hide.
Habitat: Forests and heathland
Appearance
The Adder has a distinctive dark zigzag pattern running along its grey, brown, or sometimes reddish-brown body. Males are typically grey with black markings, while females are browner with darker brown marks. Its slender body and flattened head distinguish it from non-venomous snakes.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyViperidaeGenusVipera
Category
ReptilesRarity
Rare
Danger
5/5 · Extreme
Snaps
2
Interesting facts
Adder babies are born live, not from eggs, making them unique among many snakes!
Adders bask in the sun to warm up, helping their cold-blooded bodies stay active.
An Adder can 'smell' using its tongue, flicking it to pick up scents from the air.
They are the only venomous snake species found in the Arctic Circle!
Special abilities
Ability
Venomous Bite
Adder can inject venom using two hollow fangs, which helps them quickly overpower and immobilize their prey.
Ability
Camouflage Master
Adder has a patterned skin that provides excellent camouflage, helping them blend into their surroundings to ambush prey.
Ability
Live Birth
Adder gives birth to live young, not eggs, which helps protect the developing babies inside the mother's body.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 60-90 cm
- Weight
- 0.05-0.18 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-20 years
- Top Speed
- 6 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-20
Diet & Feeding
The Adder is a carnivore, primarily eating small mammals and sometimes birds or lizards.
Age differences: Juveniles primarily eat lizards and amphibians, while adults consume larger prey.
Primary Foods
- Field voles
- Shrews
- Mice
- Small birds
- Lizards
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Field Vole
Microtus agrestis
A primary prey item for adult Adders.
hunts
Common Shrew
Sorex araneus
Frequently hunted by Adders, especially smaller individuals.
hunts
Common Lizard
Zootoca vivipara
An important food source, particularly for juvenile Adders.
eaten by
Common Buzzard
Buteo buteo
Buzzards are known predators of Adders, especially young snakes.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Venomous
Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting.
Also known as
Common AdderEuropean AdderNorthern Viper
Collections
Safety
Danger
5/5 · Extreme
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Adder?
60-90 cm
How much does Adder weigh?
0.05-0.18 kg
How long does Adder live?
10-20 years
How fast can Adder move?
6 km/h
What does Adder eat?
The Adder is a carnivore, primarily eating small mammals and sometimes birds or lizards.
Where is Adder usually found?
Forests and heathland
How does Adder hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Adder lay?
3-20
Snap Map
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