The adder, also known as the common viper, is Britain’s only venomous snake. While these fascinating creatures are often feared, they play an important role in the country’s ecosystems. Here are 12 scintillating facts about adders that will help you appreciate these misunderstood reptiles.
1. Adders Are Relatively Small
Adult adders typically grow to be around 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) long, with males being slightly smaller than females. Despite their venomous nature, adders are not among the largest snakes in the world, and their size makes them well-suited to the temperate habitats of Britain.
2. Adders Have Distinctive Markings
Adders are known for their distinctive zigzag pattern along their backs, which can range in color from pale grey to dark brown. This patterning helps them blend in with their surroundings, making them difficult to spot in the wild. Male adders tend to be more brightly colored than females, with some individuals displaying a striking blue-grey hue. You’ll also find adders in Britain so dark that they look black from a distance.
3. Adders Are Venomous, But Rarely Deadly
While adders are venomous, their bites are rarely fatal to humans. Adder venom is designed to immobilize small prey like mice and lizards, and the amount injected during a defensive bite is usually not enough to seriously harm a human. However, adder bites can be painful and may cause swelling, nausea, and other symptoms, so it is important to seek medical attention if bitten.
4. Adders Are Shy and Reclusive
Despite their fearsome reputation, adders are actually quite shy and reclusive. They prefer to avoid confrontation with humans and other large animals, and will typically only bite as a last resort if they feel threatened. Adders are most active during the day, but they often spend much of their time basking in the sun or hiding under rocks and vegetation.
5. Adders Have Heat-Sensing Pits
Like many other snakes, adders have heat-sensing pits near their eyes that allow them to detect the body heat of their prey. These pits are so sensitive that adders can detect temperature changes of as little as 0.002°C, allowing them to accurately strike at their prey even in complete darkness.
6. Adders Are Ambush Predators
Adders are ambush predators, meaning they rely on stealth and surprise to catch their prey. They typically lie in wait for small mammals, lizards, and birds to pass by, then strike quickly with their venomous fangs. Once their prey is immobilized, adders swallow it whole, using their flexible jaws to accommodate prey items much larger than their heads.
7. Adders Give Birth to Live Young
Unlike many other snakes that lay eggs, adders give birth to live young. Females typically give birth to 5-20 baby adders at a time, which are born encased in a thin membrane that they must break through to survive. Baby adders are independent from birth and are capable of hunting and fending for themselves immediately.
8. Adders Hibernate During the Winter
To survive Britain’s cold winters, adders hibernate from October to March. They typically seek out underground dens or crevices to shelter in during this time, often sharing their hibernacula with other adders and even other snake species. When spring arrives, adders emerge from hibernation to bask in the sun and begin hunting again.
9. Adders Are Protected by Law
In Britain, adders are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, which makes it illegal to kill, injure, or sell them. This protection is important because adder populations have declined in recent years due to habitat loss, persecution, and other factors. By protecting adders, we can help ensure that these fascinating creatures continue to thrive in Britain’s ecosystems.
10. Adders Play an Important Role in Ecosystems
As predators, adders play an important role in regulating populations of small mammals, lizards, and other prey species. By keeping these populations in check, adders help maintain the delicate balance of Britain’s ecosystems. Additionally, adders themselves serve as prey for other animals such as birds of prey, foxes, and badgers, making them an integral part of the food web.
11. Adders Have a Long History in Britain
Adders have been present in Britain for thousands of years, and they have a rich history in the country’s folklore and culture. In ancient times, adders were often associated with healing and regeneration, and their venom was used in traditional medicines. Today, adders continue to capture the imagination of nature enthusiasts and scientists alike, who study their behavior, ecology, and evolution.
12. Adders Are Fascinating Creatures Worth Protecting
Despite their venomous nature, adders are fascinating creatures that deserve our respect and protection. By learning more about these shy and reclusive snakes, we can help dispel myths and misconceptions about them and appreciate their important role in Britain’s ecosystems. With proper conservation efforts and public education, we can ensure that adders continue to thrive in the wild for generations to come.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
