Scientific Name:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Viperidae
Genus: Heterodon
Physical Characteristics
It has distinct: "V" or "X" shaped marking on head, also occasionally described as a "M" or "H" shape. Vertically slit pupil. The background colour is variable, from whitish or pale grey through yellows and to brown or brick red. Dorsal surface and flanks, Very characteristic indented or zigzag stripe on the back, flanks usually have a row of dark oval spots. Ventral surface, usually black, though may appear grey/brown of bluish. May appear very dark before skin shedding.
Males typically have a grey, creamy white or steely grey background colour. Females range from browns and yellows to brick red. Females are larger than Males.
Reproduction
Mating occurs in the later part of April and the first half of May. Adders do not lay eggs, but give birth in late summer to approximately 8 live young that measure 15 - 20 cm. The young are contained in a membrane that breaks immediately after they are born.
Distribution
The Adder has a wide spread distribution throughout the UK. The Adder is the UK's only native venomous snake.
Behavior
These snakes are very placid and retiring creatures. People are usually only bitten during attempts to catch or handle them.
