HORNED ADDER
(Bitis caudalis)
Setswana Names: Shaushawane / Sawasawane
SNAKE LENGTH
Average Length : 20cm to 30cm
Maximum Length : 60cm
(Bitis caudalis)
Indicator map for the Horned Adder in Southern Africa
ACTIVITY
Most active after dusk and is found in shrubs and rocks for shade during the day.
VENOM
Mildly Cytotoxic
FANGS
Hinged Fanged
REPRODUCTION
Viviparous, giving birth to 3-19 young, up to 27 have been recorded
SNAKE ACTIVITY
Most active after dusk and is found in shrubs and rocks for shade during the day
SNAKE VENOM
Mildly Cytotoxic
FANGS
Hinged Fangs
REPRODUCTION
Viviparous, giving birth to 3-19 young, up to 27 have been recorded
COLOUR
- Juveniles are brown / grey on top with blue interstitial skin, white below with yellow throat and emerald-green eyes
- Most adult females are brown or olive
- Males can range from green, dark brown to black
HABITAT
- Buries itself in loose sand for ambushing during the day, but actively hunts at night
FEEDING
Feeds on:
- Small Lizards
- Geckos
- Skinks
- Smal Rodents
- Frogs
- Birds
MISCELLANEOUS
- This snake can be mistaken for a Puff Adder.
- It may bury itself in loose sand by wriggling so that only the top of the head is visible.
- Hisses when disturbed
COLOUR
- Colour varies from light sandy grey to buff reddish, depending on geographical area.
HABITAT
- Burys itself in loose sand for ambushing during the day, but actively hunts at night.
FEEDING
Feeds on:
- Small Lizards
- Geckos
- Skinks
- Smal Rodents
- Frogs
- Birds
MISCELLANEOUS
- This snake can be mistaken for a Puff Adder.
- It may bury itself in loose sand by wriggling so that only the top of the head is visible.
- Hisses when disturbed