Points

40

per confirmed sighting

ReptileConservation status: Least ConcernVery Rare to spot
reptiles • Viperidae

Horned Adder.

H

Bitis caudalis

Category

reptiles

Family

Viperidae

Size

Adults average about 25–40 cm and may approach 60 cm.

Points

40 pts

Log a sighting

A closer look

Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding horned adder in its natural range.

Overview

How to identify it

Habitat

Arid sandy ground where it uses shade beneath bushes or rocks and may bury itself in sand.

Diet

The checked African Snakebite Institute species account does not state a species-level prey list; no diet is inferred from related taxa.

Behaviour

When to look

Crepuscular, becoming active around dusk.

Where to see it

South Africa flagSouth AfricaNamibia flagNamibiaBotswana flagBotswanaZimbabwe flagZimbabweZambia flagZambiaAngola flagAngola

Safety and etiquette

Observe from a safe distance and never handle or feed wildlife.

Verification and sources

1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.