# How Long Do Adders Live?

> Adder lifespan is typically 10–15 years. What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Least Concern).

- **Species:** Adder (*Vipera berus*)
- **Conservation status:** Least Concern
- **Diet:** Carnivore (small mammals, lizards, frogs)
- **Habitat:** Heathland, moorland, woodland edges, dunes
- **Lifespan:** 10–15 years
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/adder/how-long-do-adder-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/adder/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The adder (Vipera berus) is Britain's only venomous snake, a stocky viper of heathland, moorland, woodland edges, and dunes across Europe and into Asia. It grows to about 60 to 90 cm and roughly 100 g, and is recognised by the dark zigzag stripe down its back. It slithers out to bask and hunt small mammals, lizards, and frogs. Its bite is venomous but rarely fatal, and adders live 10 to 15 years.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Appearance and identification

The adder is a short, thick-set snake, usually 60 to 90 cm long and about 100 g, with a distinctive dark zigzag stripe running the length of its back. Colours range from silvery-grey in many males to reddish-brown in females, and some individuals are entirely black. A V or X marking often shows on the head, and the eyes have vertical, cat-like pupils typical of vipers. This bold dorsal pattern makes the adder one of Britain's most recognisable reptiles.

## Help protect the Adder

Even familiar animals lose ground as wild habitat keeps shrinking worldwide.

[Donate to wildlife protection](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/donate/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/adder/how-long-do-adder-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.