Adder
Vipera berus

The Adder is the UK's only venomous snake.  It rarely visits gardens and is only known to bite if threatened.

DESCRIPTION

Size: Adults rarely over 65cm/2ft

Colour: Males usually grey or grey-brown with black markings, females usually brown or red-brown with dark brown markings.

Markings: Distinctive continuous zigzag along the length of the back; 'V', 'X' or 'H' shaped marking on the top of the head.

Identifying features:

• Continuous zigzag along the back

• 'V', 'X' or 'H' head marking

• Less than 65cm/2ft

• Vertical slit pupil - a feature of all venomous snakes

Diet: Mostly small mammals, bird chicks and lizards.

Breeding: Mating takes place in April-May and the females give birth to live young after 3 or 4 months (June-September).  The young remain close to their mother for a few days before going off in search of food.  Females only breed every other year in order to build up enough fat reserves.

Habitat: Prefers a variety of habitats particularly rough grassland and heathland.

Dislikes: Disturbance

CURRENT STATUS: Protected by law against killing and injury, also covered under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act

DISTRIBUTION: 
In your garden... Unlikely to be found in many gardens due to its preference of habitats.
UK: Patchily distributed throughout England, Scotland and Wales in a wide variety of habitats. Absent from Ireland.

MORE INFO: I think I have adders in my garden, what shall I do?

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