Sand Viper
Bitis peringueyi
One of the smallest vipers in the world, a tiny desert adder famous for its sideways locomotion across the dunes of the Namib.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.2-0.3 m (8-12 in)
- Range
- Namib Desert of Namibia and southern Angola
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Overview
The Sand Viper, or Peringuey's Adder, is a diminutive, highly specialized viper endemic to the shifting dunes of the Namib Desert. Its small size and eye placement on top of the head allow it to bury itself in sand with only its eyes exposed.
It is a classic example of extreme desert adaptation among snakes, using sidewinding locomotion to move efficiently across loose sand.
How to identify it
- Very small, stout body, pale sandy to yellowish-brown in color
- Faint darker blotches or speckling that blend with sand
- Eyes positioned on top of the flattened head, an adaptation for burying in sand
- Vertical pupils typical of vipers
- Distinguished from other small desert vipers by its extremely small size and dorsally placed eyes
Habitat & range
Restricted to the sand dunes and gravel plains of the Namib Desert in Namibia and southern Angola, one of the driest environments on Earth.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal, spending daylight hours buried in sand. Moves via sidewinding to cross loose dunes. Feeds mainly on small lizards, ambushing them from a concealed, buried position. Reproduces by live birth.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sand Viper venomous?
Yes, though it is small, it is a venomous species.
Why does the Sand Viper bury itself in sand?
To ambush prey and avoid the extreme heat of the desert surface.
How does the Sand Viper move?
It uses a sidewinding motion suited to loose, shifting sand.
What does the Sand Viper eat?
Mostly small lizards found in its desert habitat.
Sand Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Sand Viper.
