Although this specie is called a common night adder, it is not entirely nocturnal, and enjoys sunning itself in the early morning and late afternoon. The common night adder feeds mainly on amphibians -- toads and frogs.
Other names: Afrikaans -- Gewone nagadder :
The common night adder is normally quite sluggish and slow in movement, when it encounters a toads or frog it will move extremely quickly in pursuit, and will search frantically if it loses sight of its quarry.
It does not kill its prey by constriction, but rather bites and holds on; and even although a large toad may buffet the snake about, the adder moves its hold closer to the head at every opportunity. Then it starts swallowing, even if the venom has not yet immobilised the prey - on occasion the prey can be seen still struggling inside the adder.
The common night adder has very long poison glands, but the amount of venom produces is not harmful to human beings. The usual consequences of a bite are limited to pain, swelling and discoloration at the site of the bite, and at a later stage, tenderness in the joints of the affected limb.
Interesting facts about Common Night Adder statistics / bio:
Diet: The common night adder feeds mainly on toads and frogs.
Distribution (Range): The common night adder is found in: the Caprivi Strip; northern Botswana; central and eastern Zimbabwe; coastal Mozambique; central, northern and southern Transvaal; Swaziland; Natal; and marginally into the Orange Free State, and southern and south eastern Cape.
Size: It will grow 35 - 60 cm in length,
Colour: The common night adder's colours ranges from grey to olive-green and light brown, with dark markings consisting of a distinctive 'V' over the head, with the apex pointing to the mouth and a series of rhomboid spots down the back and tail.
Most like: Often these dark markings are edged with white. The underparts are grey to yellowish.
Habitat: Moist areas near small streams, often in the vicinity of old termite mounds, piles of stones or plant refuse, wherever the snakes can find refuge.
Best places to see the Common Night Adder in Southern Africa:
• Kruger National Park
 Snakes of Southern Africa >> Printable Snake List <<
South African Snakes >> Printable Snake List <<
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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