Peringuey's Adder
Bitis peringueyi
A tiny, dorsally-eyed desert adder famous for sidewinding across the Namib's shifting dunes.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 20-30 cm (8-12 in)
- Range
- Namib Desert of Namibia and southwestern Angola
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Overview
Peringuey's Adder is one of the smallest vipers in Africa, perfectly adapted to life on wind-blown sand. Its eyes sit atop the head, allowing it to bury its body and watch for prey while remaining almost completely hidden.
It is endemic to the coastal Namib Desert, where it moves by sidewinding, leaving a distinctive J-shaped trail across the dunes.
How to identify it
- Very small, stout viper, pale sandy-buff to grey with faint darker blotches
- Eyes positioned high on the head, giving a periscope-like appearance
- Rough, keeled scales; short tail
- Distinguished from other dwarf adders by its extreme sand-camouflage and eye placement
- Leaves characteristic sidewinding tracks
Habitat & range
Restricted to the sand dunes and gravel plains of the Namib Desert along the Atlantic coast. Buries itself just under the sand surface, often with only eyes exposed.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and crepuscular, active on cooler dune surfaces at night. Ambushes small lizards, especially geckos, from a buried position. Sidewinding locomotion minimizes contact with hot sand. Viviparous, giving birth to small litters of live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is Peringuey's Adder venomous?
Yes, it is venomous, though its small size limits venom yield.
Why does it sidewind?
Sidewinding reduces the amount of body in contact with hot, loose sand, improving traction and thermoregulation.
Where does it live?
It is endemic to the Namib Desert dunes of Namibia and southern Angola.
How does it hunt?
It buries itself in sand with only its eyes exposed and ambushes passing lizards.
Peringuey's Adder guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Peringuey's Adder.
