Plain Mountain Adder

A small adder averaging 30 cm with a maximum size of 35 cm. This endemic snake is listed as Endangered in the current Reptile Atlas. It is largely limited to grasslands above 1,500 masl in the Sneeuberg range and the surrounding mountains of Graaff-Reinet.

Full Name: Plain Mountain Adder (Bitis inornata)

Other Names: Ongemerkte Bergadder

Classification: VENOMOUS

Map indicating the distribution of the Plain Mountain Adder in Southern Africa.

A small adder averaging 30 cm with a maximum size of 35 cm. This endemic snake is listed as Endangered in the current Reptile Atlas. It is largely limited to grasslands above 1,500 meteres above sea level in the Sneeuberg range and the surrounding mountains of Graaff-Reinet.

The Plain Mountain Adder spends much of its time hiding under rocks and basks in the early morning and late afternoon. It lacks horns above the eyes.

Nothing is known of the venom of this snake, but it is thought to be like that of other small adders, causing pain and swelling. Individuals usually hiss and strike when encountered. This snake probably feeds largely on lizards and small rodents.

African Snakebite Institute