Common european adder
A species of Palaearctic vipers, Also known as Common adder, Northern viper, Crossed viper, European common viper Scientific name : Vipera berus Genus : Palaearctic vipers
Common european adder, A species of Palaearctic vipers
Also known as:
Common adder, Northern viper, Crossed viper, European common viper
Scientific name: Vipera berus
Genus: Palaearctic vipers
Content
Description General Info
Photo By giovannizanfei , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Vipera berus, the common European adder or common European viper, is a venomous snake that is extremely widespread and can be found throughout most of Western Europe and as far as East Asia. The species is also the only venomous snake native to Great Britain.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Common european adder primarily consume small mammals, predominantly on voles and mice. Additionally, they favor amphibians, and on occasion, small birds, possessing an opportunistic feeding habit that reflects local prey availability.
Appearance
Common european adder is a relatively small, slender serpent with a triangular-shaped head clearly distinct from the neck. It has smooth, keeled scales in a variety of colors, often zig-zag patterned or uniform dark hues. Males are typically smaller than females and have a brighter and more contrasting color. The tail is slender and tapering. It is distinguished by an upturned snout, and during cold temperatures, the body darkens to absorb heat effectively.
Behavior
Common european adder is a solitary predator, known for its ambush hunting techniques. Its diet consists mainly of rodents, small mammals, and birds. Displaying territorial behavior, this species often uses pheromones to mark areas. Notably, common european adder undergoes a sort of 'winter dormancy', reducing its activity during colder months as a survival adaptation to its habitat.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Palaearctic vipers Species
Common european adder 
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