Bitis caudalis (Smith, 1839)

Size and Length

This species, a short, stout small viper, typically has an average total length (including body and tail) of 30–40 cm (12–15.5 in). The largest recorded specimen is a female from southern Botswana, with a total length of 51.5 cm (20.3 in).

Geographic Range

This viper is found in very arid regions of southwest Africa. Its range includes southwestern Angola, Namibia, the Kalahari Desert area of southern Botswana, northern Transvaal, and southwestern Zimbabwe.

South African Distribution

In South Africa, it occurs from the Northern Cape province south to the Great Karoo. Its type locality is recorded as "... the sandy districts north of the Cape Colony..." [South Africa].

Habitat Preference

Horned adders of this species are most often found in sparsely vegetated desert and semiarid scrub terrain.