Peringuey's Adder

Meet the Peringuey's Adder: A Mesmerizing Desert Denizen

The Peringuey's adder, also known as Peringuey's desert adder or the sidewinding adder, is a small yet captivating venomous viper indigenous to Namibia and southern Angola. This diminutive snake usually measures between 20 to 25 cm in length, with the longest recorded individual reaching 32 cm.

Distinctive Characteristics

This small viper features a short, flat head with eyes positioned on top, lending it a distinctive appearance. Its body is covered in strongly keeled scales and exhibits a pale buff to sandy-grayish coloration, adorned with rows of spots along its length. The belly is typically whitish or yellow, enhancing its unique look.

A Collection of Names

Locally, the Peringuey's adder is referred to by several names, including Jack Carlin, Namib dwarf sand adder, dwarf puff adder, and Namib desert viper. The species is named after Louis Péringuey, a South African entomologist and museum director who made significant contributions to the study of African wildlife.

Habitat Range

The Peringuey's adder inhabits regions from southern Angola to Lüderitz in Namibia, including the renowned Fish River Canyon. This snake is exceptionally well-adapted to its arid desert environment.

Hunting Techniques and Behavior

An adept ambush predator, the Peringuey's adder buries itself in the sand, with only its eyes and tail tip exposed. This cunning strategy enables it to catch its prey by surprise, primarily feeding on lizards such as Meroles and Ptenopus. Interestingly, Aporosaura lizards are not just a source of food but also an important source of water for this snake.

Some individuals of this species possess black-tipped tails, which they use for "caudal luring"—a behavior where they wiggle their tails to entice unsuspecting prey.