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Sign in to saveVipera berus, commonly known as the common European adder and the common European viper, is a species of venomous snake in the family Viperidae. The species is extremely widespread and can be found throughout much of Europe, and as far as East Asia. There are three recognised subspecies.
AI overview
The common European adder is a venomous snake found across Europe and into East Asia, making it one of the most widespread snake species in those regions. It matters because as a venomous species, understanding its distribution and biology is relevant to human safety and ecological knowledge in the areas where it lives.
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Wikidata facts
Show 7 more facts
- P105
- species
- P141
- Least Concern
- P9714
- China
- P1034
- bird
- P2974
- land
Article
12 sectionsContents
- Taxonomy
- Description
- Distribution and habitat
- Conservation status
- Behaviour
- Feeding
- Reproduction
- Venom
- In culture and beliefs
- References
- Further reading
- External links
Vipera berus, commonly known as the common European adder and the common European viper, is a species of venomous snake in the family Viperidae. The species is extremely widespread and can be found throughout much of Europe, and as far as East Asia. There are three recognised subspecies.
Known by a host of common names including common adder and common viper, the adder has been the subject of much folklore in Britain and other European countries. It is not regarded as especially dangerous; the snake is not aggressive and usually bites only when really provoked, stepped on, or picked up. Bites can be very painful, but are rarely fatal. The specific name, berus, is Neo-Latin and was at one time used to refer to a snake, possibly the grass snake, Natrix natrix.