Puff Adder
Bitis arietans
Geographical Locale
- Probably the most common and widespread snake in Africa and found throughout the continent except for deserts and thickly forested areas.
Appearance
- Two enlarged venom fangs fixed in the front of the upper jaw.
- Solid teeth in both jaws.
- Average size about 3' long but very wide; widths of over 15 1/2" have been seen.
- Head blunt & rounded and much wider than neck and body; almost triangular in shape.
- Often two fangs on the jaw and both can be functional.
- Colours vary according to geography but head usually has two dark bands; one on the crown and one between the eyes.
- Colours range from dull yellow to light brown and even orange or reddish brown. Males can have striking yellow and gold colour patterns.
- V-shaped markings are present all the way down their back but getting lighter towards the tail.
- Iris’ range from gold to silver grey.
- Stomach is yellow or white with some darker spots.
Venom
- Extremely poisonous and one of the most toxic. Cytotoxic – cell killing – and Neurotoxic – attacking the victim’s central nervous system.
The Bite
- Wound shows two teeth marks and is painful.
- Swelling develops within 10 to 30 minutes.
Lifecycle
- Females produce a pheromone to attract males.
- Give birth to high numbers of young; 50 or 60 being the average.
- Hatchlings are between 4 1/2" and 7" long.
- Newborns have golden head markings.
Habits
- Generally rocky grasslands as they are a sluggish species that rely on camouflage for protection.
- Mainly terrestrial but good swimmers that can also climb.
- Often found basking by footpaths and tend to remain still in the presence of an intruder.
- Extremely willing to bite and able to strike at very high speed and from a distance of about one third of their body length.
- Mostly nocturnal.
- Reluctant to forage and hunt; more likely to ambush prey ‘as it passes’.
- Diet consists of mammals, birds, lizards and amphibians.
