Horned Adder

About the Horned Adder

The horned adder (Bitis caudalis) is a viper species. It is found in the arid region of southwest Africa, in Angola, Botswana, Namibia; South Africa, and Zimbabwe. It is easily distinguished by the presence of a single, large horn-like scale over each eye. No subspecies are currently recognized. Like all other vipers, it is venomous.

The species is commonly known as the horned adder, horned puff adder, or horned viper. A short, stout little viper, it usually averages 30–40 cm (12–15.5 in) in total length (body + tail). The largest specimen reported being seen is a female from southern Botswana measuring 51.5 cm (20.3 in) total length.

The snake is found in far arid regions of southwest Africa: southwest Angola, Namibia, across the Kalahari Desert of southern Botswana, into northern Transvaal and southwestern Zimbabwe. In South Africa, it is found from the Northern Cape province south to the Great Karoo.

Its type locality is given as "... the sandy districts north of the Cape Colony..." [South Africa]. Horned adders are mostly found in sparsely vegetated desert and semiarid scrub country. Bites are... Wikipedia →