European viper
Quick Summary
The term "adder" can refer to several groups of venomous snakes within the viper family (Viperidae) or the cobra family (Elapidae), as well as some harmless snakes like the hognose snake. The European common adder, or European viper (Vipera berus), is a stout snake found across Europe and Asia, even north of the Arctic Circle. It typically measures up to 85 cm (33 inches) and has a gray to brown color with a dark zigzag pattern. Its diet includes frogs, young birds, and small mammals, and it gives birth to live young. While its bite is rarely fatal to humans, it is a well-known species often mentioned in literature.1
Vipers, in general, are venomous snakes characterized by long, hollow fangs that inject venom. They have vertical pupils and keeled scales. Pit vipers, found primarily in the New World, possess heat-sensitive pit organs that help them detect prey. Old World vipers inhabit Europe, Asia, and Africa and are often slow and stocky. The European viper is an example of an Old World viper.2
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
adderThe European common adder, or European viper (V. berus), a serpent often mentioned in works of literature, is a stout-bodied snake that is widely distributed across Europe and Asia. It even ranges north of the Arctic Circle in Norway. It grows to a maximum length of approximately 85 cm (33…
Read MoreThe European common adder, or European viper (V. berus), a serpent often mentioned in works of literature, is a stout-bodied snake that is widely distributed across Europe and Asia. It even ranges north of the Arctic Circle in Norway. It grows to a maximum length of approximately 85 cm (33…
Read More
viperMany, such as the European viper, or common adder (Vipera berus), and the Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica), are terrestrial. In contrast, tree vipers (genus Atheris), such as Matilda’s horned viper (A. matildae) of Tanzania, are slender, prehensile-tailed, and arboreal. Some species lay eggs; others produce live young.
Read MoreMany, such as the European viper, or common adder (Vipera berus), and the Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica), are terrestrial. In contrast, tree vipers (genus Atheris), such as Matilda’s horned viper (A. matildae) of Tanzania, are slender, prehensile-tailed, and arboreal. Some species lay eggs; others produce live young.
Read More
