Common Night Adders have rhomboid shaped markings (♦) down the length of the top of the body. They have a distinct dark “V” on the head, and black lines on the edges of the scales of the upper lip.  These snakes have round pupils and despite their common name are active during the day.

Puff Adders have chevron markings (>>) down the body, becoming bars towards the tail section. They have a line between the eyes on the top of the head and their pupil are slit vertically.

It’s easy to confuse a Common Night Adder with a Puff Adder. The graphic below illustrates how to recognize the key differences between the two species.