Full Name: Horned Adder (Bitis caudalis)
Other Names: Horingadder; Horingsman
Classification: VENOMOUS
Map indicating the distribution of the Horned Adder in Southern Africa.
A small adder, averaging 25 – 40 cm with a maximum length of nearly 60 cm and usually has two prominent horns – one above each eye. It is widespread occurring from the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape, Northern Cape, North West, Gauteng and Limpopo, as well as further north.
There is a great deal of colour variation, and this is usually linked to the colour of the sand in the area. The Horned Adder is active at dusk and likes to hide in the shade of bushes and rocks during the day where it may bury itself into the sand.
When approached it inflates the body and hisses loudly and will strike repeatedly. The venom of this snake is cytotoxic, causing swelling and pain. Antivenom is not effective or required.
