Many-horned Adder

(Bitis cornuta)
DANGEROUS

This small adder, with an average length of about 30 cm, is rather distinct because of the tufts of 2 - 4 hornlike scales above each eye. The general appearance is characteristic of small adders, nl. with a triangular head and a stout body with a short distinct tail. The overall impression is that of a dull grey snake with black and pale markings, although some populations in Namaqualand are reddish brown. They may be active during the day, especially early in the morning when they like to bask. They lie in ambush waiting for prey which usually consists of lizards, but also rodents and even the occasional rain or sand frog.

This adder is usually associated with harder soils to stony ground and, although it is claimed for this species, side winding and burying itself in sand has not been noticed by this author. Its range is restricted to the area along the west coast and adjacent inland areas from southern Namibia, through Namaqualand southwards to the south-western Cape. Although its range falls within the famous Namaqualand flower areas, tourists attracted during the flowering season will rarely meet these interesting looking snakes, as they tend to still be hibernating until early spring.

From 5 to 20 live young are produced during late summer. The poison is very effective against rodents but not lethal for human beings and no antivenom should be used. Serious blistering with gangrene may occur at the bite site

Has a nervous disposition. When disturbed, it will hiss loudly and strike so energetically that most of its body is lifted off the ground in the process. However, it usually settles down in captivity

Behaviour

Venom

The poison is very effective against rodents but not lethal for human beings and no antivenom should be used.

Lifestyle

The many-horned adder buries itself in loose sand for camouflage against predators and prey, and can often be observed with only the top of its head protruding above the surface. It also adopts a side-winding mode of locomotion to help it move on the loose surface of desert sands. When threatened, this snake hisses loudly and writhes vigourously, and may strike with such force that its whole body comes completely off the ground. These small adders prey primarily on lizards, but will also occasionally take rodents, birds and amphibians

Breeding

The many-horned adder is solitary, only coming together to breed. Between 5 and 14 live young are born, usually during the latter part of the summer or early autumn.

Threats

Like many other reptiles of southern Africa, this adder is threatened by habitat destruction as a result of development and/or wild veld fires, and also by illegal collection for the pet trade