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Bitis arietans (Puff adder)
Poffadder [Afrikaans]; iBululu [Xhosa / Zulu / Ndebele]; iRambi
[Xhosa]; iHobosha [Zulu]; Lerabe, Marabe, Thamaha, Thama-dinkotsane [South Sotho]; Lebolobolo [Tswana & North Sotho]; Vuluvulu [Venda]; Chiva [Shona]; Mhiri [Tsonga]
Life >
Eukaryotes
>
Opisthokonta >
Metazoa
(animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia >
Chordata >
Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates) > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) >
Teleostomi (teleost fish) > Osteichthyes (bony fish) > Class:
Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish) > Stegocephalia (terrestrial vertebrates) >
Tetrapoda
(four-legged vertebrates) > Reptiliomorpha > Amniota >
Reptilia (reptiles) >
Romeriida > Diapsida > Lepidosauromorpha > Lepidosauria >
Squamata > Serpentes
(snakes) > Family: Viperidae > Genus:
Bitis
Identification
This species is easily identified by its short fat body,
its keeled (rough scaled) body, chevron markings and its loud hissing
when disturbed. The Puff adder averages 90 cm in length but can reach up to 1.5 meters long.
Distribution and habitat
Widespread, with a distribution ranging
throughout Southern Africa, East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is found
in almost any habitat except for mountain tops, true deserts and dense forest
(although they can climb trees)
Food
Consists mostly of
rodents ( e.g.
rats and mice) but also
includes birds ,
amphibians
(e.g. frogs
and toads) and lizards
Predators, parasites and disease
The Puff adder is primarily preyed on by Herpistidae (particularly
mongooses
and
honey badgers),
birds of prey (e.g.
secretary birds and
snake eagles ),
warthogs,
and other snakes. Although people don't prey on them they do kill them.
Puff adders are highly vulnerable to diseases of the mouth and may also be
heavily infested with both internal and external parasites.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young); mating takes place between October and December and the
females give birth to their young between December and April.
Longevity
Has been known to live for up to 14 years or
more.
Medical importance
Has a powerful though slow acting cytotoxic venom (taking
up 24 hours to take effect), which it delivers through its
particularly long fangs. This snake is dangerous because of its wide
distribution and its habit lying on paths and therefore being stepped on. It is responsible
for many snake bite incidents but few fatalities. Although it is a potential emergency if you are bitten there is an effective
anti venom is available.
Links
References
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Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern
Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
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Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers, Cape Town.
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