Puff Adder
Bitis arietans
- Class
- Reptile
- Rarity
- Rare
- Observations
- 3,317
- Most observed in
- 🇿🇦 South Africa
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
The puff adder (Bitis arietans) is a highly venomous viper species found in savannahs and grasslands from Morocco and western Arabia throughout Africa except for the Sahara and rainforest regions. It is responsible for causing the most snakebite fatalities in Africa owing to various factors, such as its wide distribution, frequent occurrence in highly populated regions, and aggressive disposition. Like all other vipers, it is venomous. Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here. The species is commonly known as the puff adder, African puff adder, or common puff adder.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Puff adder”.