PUFF ADDER
(Bitis arietans)
Setswana Names: lebolobolo / lekubi
SNAKE LENGTH
Average Length : 90cm to 100cm
Maximum Length : 1.4m
(Bitis arietans)
Indicator map for the Puff Adder in Southern Africa
ACTIVITY
Mainly active at night but bask in the day.
VENOM
Potent Cytotoxic
FANGS
Hinged front fangs
REPRODUCTION
Gives birth to live young (viviparous) 20 to 40 babies in late summer.
SNAKE ACTIVITY
Mainly active at night but bask in the day.
SNAKE VENOM
Potent Cytotoxic
FANGS
Hinged front fangs
REPRODUCTION
Gives birth to live young (viviparous) 20 to 40 babies in late summer.
COLOUR
- Yellow – Brown, Red Brown, or Dark Grey above
- Top of head has a pale cross bar between the eyes and the back has a series of black pale edged chevrons pointing backwards
- The tail has dark and light cross bands
- Yellow or white underneath with black blotches
HABITAT
- Found mainly on the ground where it is well camouflaged
- Sometimes will climb into shrubs and bushes to bask
FEEDING
Feeds on:
- Mice
- Rats
- Lizards
- Frogs
- Birds
- Other snakes
MISCELLANEOUS
- A large fast-moving snake equally at home in trees and on the ground.
- The head is coffin shaped with round eyes and the scales are smooth.
COLOUR
- Yellow – Brown, Red Brown, or Dark Grey above
- Top of head has a pale cross bar between the eyes and the back has a series of black pale edged chevrons pointing backwards
- The tail has dark and light cross bands
- Yellow or white underneath with black blotches
HABITAT
- Found mainly on the ground where it is well camouflaged
- Sometimes will climb into shrubs and bushes to bask
FEEDING
Feeds on:
- Mice
- Rats
- Lizards
- Frogs
- Birds
- Other snakes
MISCELLANEOUS
- Triangular head, short stubby snake, vertical pupils and often hisses or puffs when encountered
- Has keeled scales
PHOTO GALLERY
