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Puff Adder
Bitis Aietans
-25.1197, 31.9161
Field Notes
Description:
Puff Adder Bites Are Deadly Serious!
The snake venom is a cytotoxin. This means that the venom breaks down tissue and spreads slowly to the rest of the body.
This little fellow is unfortunately hit by a car. It was dead when we spotted it.
Habitat:
The puff adder can be found over the vast majority of Africa with exception to the north. Unlike many other venomous reptiles, they are not usually found amongst the woodlands. They prefer to hang out in the grasslands. They are right at home in the dry grass and use their camouflage to ambush their prey.
Notes:
It is not a great picture, but to post this spot gave me a reason as good as any to do a bit more research about the Puff Adder.
One fascinating fact about puff adders is that they produce more live young than any other snake.
The males often fight over a female that is ready to breed. Once bred, the female may bear as many as 40 little puff adders in one batch.
The color pattern varies geographically.
The puff adder is an ambush hunter that will strike out from nowhere to secure their food. They do this by striking from cover.
It is not the most venomous snake in the world, but Puff Adders are highly aggressive biters and are around people more than some of their brethren.
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