Poisonous Snakes - Adder

Adder, also known as the 'Spear-biting Viper', is a venomous snake belonging to the snake family Elapidae and the genus *Candidatus Erythrolabds*. It is primarily found in South Africa. The Adder's body is relatively small, with a length of approximately 90-110 cm. Individual large specimens can exceed 130 cm in length.

Adder body proportion reference

Due to regional variations, the patterns and colors on an Adder's body will vary. However, all Adders share two distinctive features: a black belly and 1 to 2 light-colored transverse bands at the throat.

Adder's scales are like dragon scales, which is one of the distinguishing features of this snake compared to other vipers.

The scale distribution and structure of the Adder's body is as follows:

Back scales: 17 to 19 scales

Abdominal scales: 116 to 150 scales

Caudal scales: 30 to 47 scales

Complete anal plate

Upper labial scales: 7 scales

Preorbital scales: 1 scale (some Adders have 3 scales)

Postorbital scales: 3 scales

Lower labial scales: 8 to 9 scales

Adders typically inhabit grasslands and have a wide range of food choices, preying on amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and other animals.

When threatened, Adders, like other vipers, will bulge their necks to intimidate enemies. When the threat approaches, Adders will spray venom, with the face of the enemy as the target.

In addition to bulging their necks and spraying venom, Adders also employ the 'death feigning' technique for self-preservation. If they perceive that the enemy cannot be repelled by intimidation or venom, they will curl up their bodies, with their eyes wide open, and remain motionless, making the enemy give up attacking them.

Adder venom is a potent neurotoxin that primarily attacks the nerves of the heart, muscles, and respiratory system.

Furthermore, Adders can inject venom into the eyes of their enemies. Because Adder fangs have small injection holes, when venom flows into the fangs, it will be blocked. Therefore, Adders will frantically squeeze the venom out and let the organs sink, combined with a puff of air, the venom will be shot out. At this time, the Adder's head will shake in a small circle, allowing them to accurately shoot the venom into the enemy's eyes. The venom's range can reach up to 330 cm and 240 cm.

Humans bitten will experience: bleeding and eyelid spasm

If venom is shot at a person or animal, it must be washed away quickly. The venom will erode the retina, leading to corneal swelling, and if not treated promptly, it will cause permanent blindness.

Calling the Adder a 'Spear-biting Viper' is incorrect. Although Adders have spearing ability, and their venom contains neurotoxins, they do not belong to the Viper family (

Naja Adders and true vipers are different in that they have oviparous reproduction. Female Adders can give birth to 20 to 35 young snakes at a time, with a record of 65 young snakes born at a time.

Adders are mainly distributed in the Cape Province of South Africa, extending to Lesotho, Transkei, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, as well as some areas of Swaziland and the Northern Province.For more exciting content, please follow 'Animal World'WeChatiltawcom

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