Adder (Vipera berus)

The Adder is a species of snake that is often found in such areas as grassland, throughout the UK.
Considered a shy creature, it is only aggressive when provoked, and is only so as a final line of defence.

http://www.surrey-arg.org.uk/SARG/08000-TheAnimals/SpeciesPages/Adder/Adder%20ID.gif < image reference at this link.

The Adder is Britain's only native venomous snake, and the venom isn't the most potent of other snakes, mainly causing such symptoms as nausea, headaches, drowsiness, and pain/bruising.
Although people have died as a result of an adder bite, no one has died within the last 20 years.

http://www.jasonsteelwildlifephotography.yolasite.com/resources/Adder5_JasonSteel.jpg < image reference at this link.

The Adder's primary habitat includes such areas as rough, and exposed countryside, and can be commonly seen in the spring season, as they hibernate in winter like most animals.
They mate around the time of May, and births occur in August/September.
Unlike most other snakes, the Adder gives birth to live young in stead of eggs, which emerge no bigger than an Earthworm.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/28/Loch_Shin_adder.JPG < image reference at this link.

In the photo above, you can see the Adder's stunning patterns located on its back, which distinguishes the species from other types of snakes.

The Adder's diet consists of mainly small rodent species, and will also eat certain kinds of amphibians.
Adders eat their prey whole, which is common in snakes.
Only the hair and teeth of their prey will pass through in their excrement, due to the Adder's very strong digestive fluids.

http://www.zsl.org/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg/public/image/2014-02/adder_129554852.jpg?itok=EP8kpkcB < image reference at this link.

I personally love this species of snake, and I feel that with them being native to the country, they could make a perfect part of my zine.
There aren't many snakes that are native to the UK, so it would be interesting to add this animal to my zine.

Below you can see some sketches that I have done of Adders.

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/adder










Thomas.