David Element
Wildlife
Photography and Digital Video Images
_____________________________________________________________Reptiles
10 - Adders
ADDER Vipera berus berus (m, f)
ADDER Vipera berus berus (m)
ADDER Vipera berus berus (f)
ADDER Vipera berus berus (m, f)
ADDER Vipera berus berus (f)
ADDER Vipera berus berus (f)
- Adders Vipera berus berus
are quite beautifully marked and it may be possible to identify some
individuals in the wild from the variations in their patterns. The species
is sexually dimorphic. Males are
generally pale grey with black zigzag markings whereas the ground colour
of the (larger) females tends to be olive-brown and there is a lesser
degree of contrast with the darker scales. These venomous snakes are
naturally shy of humans and will retreat if disturbed so the risk of being
bitten is comparatively small unless they are provoked or handled without
protective equipment. Wearing trousers and walking boots will offer good
protection if walking in areas that they are known to frequent. If bitten
medical attention should be sought as soon as possible and the affected
limb splinted or immobilised. Adder bites are painful but only rarely
lethal.
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David’s Films of British reptiles and amphibians may be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4AirIEc0Nodlcvlf7oYAJgJo8k7pHJ-A.
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