Puff adder Facts
Bitis arietans
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.
- Diet
- Mostly nocturnal, the puff adder rarely forages actively, preferring, instead, to ambush prey as it happens by.
- Lifespan
- Up to 15.8 years (maximum recorded longevity)
Puff adder Facts at a Glance
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 belongs to the family Viperidae in the order Squamata. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; the source names below document the review basis.
Puff adder Conservation Status
Puff adder is listed here as Least Concern. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.
Quick facts
- Lifespan
- Up to 15.8 years (maximum recorded longevity)
Fun facts
- Locomotion is primarily rectilinear, using the broad ventral scales in a caterpillar fashion and aided by its own weight for traction.
- Normally a sluggish species, the puff adder relies on camouflage for protection.
- When agitated, it can resort to a typical serpentine movement of surprising speed.
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Sources and image credit
Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under the stated license.