A widespread Eurasian viper with a zig-zag dorsal stripe, the only venomous snake native to most of northern Europe and the British Isles.
Description
The adder is a stout-bodied viper rarely exceeding 90 cm. Adults are grey, brown, or reddish with a striking dark zig-zag stripe down the back and a V or X mark on the head. Melanistic all-black individuals are common in cooler parts of the range.
Behavior
Adders are diurnal in cool weather and crepuscular in summer heat, basking on south-facing slopes to thermoregulate. They are shy and bite only when cornered. Mating involves the famous “dance of the adders,” in which rival males wrestle without biting.
Range
This is the most widely distributed terrestrial snake on Earth, ranging from northern Scotland east across Europe and Siberia to the Pacific coast and well above the Arctic Circle in places. It is the only snake native to most of the British Isles.
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Adder starts with A and ends with R. Browse other snakes along the same letter.
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