Quick Facts

Scientific name:  Vipera berus

Size:  The male is around 60cm long, and the female is approx 75cm

Distribution:  Found throughout England, Scotland and Wales

Months seen:  March to October.  During the winter adders hibernate underground.  The young are usually born around August

Life Span: Normally 10 to 15 years

Habitat:  Adders are normally found on heathland or sand dunes. They can often be seen warming up their bodies (basking) in the sunshine

Food:  Mice, voles and lizards

Special features:  Sometimes called the 'Viper'.  Of the three types of snake found in Britain, the Adder is the only one which is venomous.

Adders can be recognised by the dark zig-zag pattern running down the length of their back, and by the dark V-shaped marking on the back of their head.  The background colour of the males tends to be more silvery-grey in colour, while the females are more brown.

Related Pages

• Black Adders
• Adder Bites
• UK Safari Reptiles Section
• Identify other wildlife
• Free Newsletter