Quick answer
Adders (Vipera berus) are reptiles found across Europe, Asia. Britain's only venomous snake. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.1 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 8 km/h (5 mph), and live 10–15 years. They feed on carnivore (small mammals, lizards, frogs) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Heathland, moorland, and woodland across Europe and into East Asia, reaching within the Arctic Circle; the UK's only native venomous snake.
Key takeaway
Adders (Vipera berus) are reptiles found across Europe, Asia. Britain's only venomous snake. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.1 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 8 km/h (5 mph), and live 10–15 years. They feed on carnivore (small mammals, lizards, frogs) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Heathland, moorland, and woodland across Europe and into East Asia, reaching within the Arctic Circle; the UK's only native venomous snake.
Adder overview
Adder (Vipera berus) is an reptile listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.1 kg; lifespan around 10–15 years.
Adder ecology
Diet: Carnivore (small mammals, lizards, frogs). Habitat: Heathland, moorland, woodland edges, dunes. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Adders and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild adders are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Adder profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Adders inhabit Heathland, moorland, and woodland across Europe and into East Asia, reaching within the Arctic Circle; the UK's only native venomous snake. Their preferred habitat includes heathland, moorland, woodland edges, dunes, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essent
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult adders typically measure about 0.8 m in length and weigh roughly 0.1 kg (0 lb). They can sprint at up to 8 km/h (5 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Adders are known for britain's only venomous snake — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Adder FAQs
What are key facts about adders?
Adders (Vipera berus) are reptiles found across Europe, Asia. Britain's only venomous snake. Adults typically weigh roughly 0.1 kg (0 lb), reach speeds of up to 8 km/h (5 mph), and live 10–15 years. They feed on carnivore (small mammals, lizards, frogs) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Heathland, moorland, and woodland across Europe and into East Asia, reaching within the Arctic Circle; the UK's only native venomous snake.
What is the scientific name of the adder?
Vipera berus — used in research and conservation listings for adders.
What do adders eat?
Adders eat small mammals, lizards and frogs, with seasonal and regional variation in Heathland, moorland, woodland edges, dunes.
Where do adders live?
They are associated with Heathland, moorland, woodland edges, dunes. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of adders?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.