Adder
Adders live in the lowlands, as well as in the high mountains up to altitudes of 3000 metres. A real challenge for a heat-loving reptile! The adder is stocky, the head is only slightly set off from the body. However, the slit-shaped, vertical pupils are typical of vipers. Adaptations to their cool habitats are the often dark colouring (northern vipers), the ribs that can be spread apart to absorb more heat from the sun, and ovoviviparity. This means that adders are “viviparous”. The females incubate the eggs in their bodies and the young vipers are born at the end of August – October. With the first frosts, the adders crawl into hiding and fall into a cold rigidity lasting up to 8 months during the winter. Adders are shy and only bite when they feel extremely threatened. Although their bite is painful, it is hardly life-threatening for a healthy adult. Their poison can be more harmful for allergy sufferers, children or the elderly.
- During the mating season, male adders engage in non-lethal fights. These are fights in which animals do not seriously injure each other. In the case of the common adder, the aim is to push the opponent to the ground with the front body pointing upwards.
Scientific Name
Vipera berus
Age
- up to 14 years
Nutrition
- Small mammals
- Lizards
- Frogs
Adversaries
- Wild boar
- Fox
- Marten
Weight
- up to 200 g
50 - 70 cm
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