´óÏó´«Ã½

In order to see this content you need to have both enabled and installed. Visit for full instructions

Adder

Last updated: 15 March 2011

Adders live in open heath or moorland habitats, and many of these have been lost under forestry plantations, farmland, development or encroaching scrub.

Females are nearly always a red-brown earthy colour with the males being slightly smaller and a much lighter colour, most often a striking slate grey.

Both sexes have defined black zigzags down their backs. The pattern resembles a shadow cast by a fern, which is why a lot of people, and predators, don't see them.

Adders are very sparse in mid-Wales, but they can be seen in reasonable numbers in the north and south of the country. They live in a variety of open or semi-open habitats, from heathland, young woodland, golf courses and even motorway verges.

Adders are our only venomous snake, but they rarely bite unless they are picked up or stepped on. Their venom is not usually life threatening, but can make you feel unwell and medical attention should be sought.

Snakes don't hibernate, they 'brumate' over winter. In other words, their body temperature is maintained at a cooler level than normal, but they are awake, and slowly move around to keep warm.


Bookmark this page:

Try one of the walks from Derek's latest walking series on ´óÏó´«Ã½ One Wales.

Wildlife

Toads by Brian Stone

In your garden

Find out about the wildlife you can find on your doorstep.

A fin whale

Wildlife photos

A gallery featuring rare and unusual wildlife sightings in Wales.

Wildlife map of Wales

´óÏó´«Ã½ Wales Nature map

Explore Wales

Zoom in and discover wildlife in your area with our interactive map.

´óÏó´«Ã½ iD

´óÏó´«Ã½ navigation

´óÏó´«Ã½ © 2014 The ´óÏó´«Ã½ is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.