Horned Adder
Bitis caudalis
A small desert adder with a prominent single horn-like scale above each eye, well camouflaged against sandy soils.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 30-50 cm (12-20 in)
- Range
- Arid regions of southern Africa including Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa
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Overview
The Horned Adder is a compact viper of southern Africa's arid zones, easily recognized by the erect scale above each eye that resembles a small horn. It is a sit-and-wait predator superbly adapted to sandy and gravelly terrain.
Its coloration varies regionally to match local substrate, ranging from pale sand to reddish tones.
How to identify it
- Small, stocky viper with a single supraocular horn-like scale above each eye
- Sandy, buff, or reddish background with darker rounded blotches
- Rough keeled scales aid camouflage
- Distinguished from Many-Horned Adder by having only one horn per eye rather than multiple
- Broad, flattened head distinct from narrow neck
Habitat & range
Occupies semi-desert, sandy flats, and gravel plains across Namibia, Botswana, and parts of South Africa. Often found partially buried in loose substrate.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and crepuscular, sit-and-wait ambush hunter of lizards and small rodents. Uses caudal luring, wiggling its tail tip to attract prey. Viviparous, giving birth to small litters of live young in summer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the horn for?
The exact function is debated, but it may aid camouflage or reduce sand entering the eye.
Is the Horned Adder venomous?
Yes, it possesses venom used to subdue small prey and, defensively, is dangerous if provoked.
How does it hunt?
It buries itself and ambushes prey, sometimes luring lizards closer with tail movements.
How is it different from the Many-Horned Adder?
The Horned Adder has a single horn scale above each eye, whereas the Many-Horned Adder has several small spiky scales.
Horned Adder guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Horned Adder.
