Kromme-Geelhout-Database
Species details
Genus
Genus : Bitis
Family: Viperidae (Reptilia)
Taxon : Reptile
Group : Animal
SPECIES
arietansSub Species
arietansNOTES
The most common, widespread and dangerous snake in Africa. Grows to 1 m in length, weighs over 6.0 kg and has a girth of 40 cm. It has a blunt, rounded snout. Eats mainly small mammals. Generally sluggish but can strike incredibly fast.
AUTHORITY
(Merrem, 1820)Sub Author
Conservation
CommonHabit
Not ApplicableLand Invertebrate
n/aColour
- Notes: The dorsal ground colour is yellow to reddish-brown overlaid with a pattern of 18-22 backwardly-directed, dark brown bands that extend down the back and tail. The belly is white. Photo courtesy of Evans family
- Colour: Yellow
- Notes: Darker brown markings
- Colour: Brown
- Colour: Yellow
Common Name
- Puff adder
- African puff adder
- Pofadder
- Snake
- African puff adder
Habitat
- NOTES: Generally seen basking in the road
- HABITAT NAME: Veld
- NOTES: Frequently seen swimming in the river
- HABITAT NAME: River
- HABITAT NAME: Veld
Uses
- Toxicity
- An extremely poisonous species which has a cytotoxic venom. About 100 mg is thought to be enough to kill a healthy adult human male
Months
- All year
Synonyms for Species
- Cobra lachesis
- Cobra clotho
- Vipera severa
- Vipera inflata
- Vipera arietans
- Echidna arietans
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