There are two species of night adders in southern Africa, the common or rhombic night adder (Causus rhombeatus) and the snouted night adder (Causus defilippii).
The common or rhombic night adder is widespread in the grasslands around Mpumalanga and Gauteng, extending into KwaZulu-Natal and along the coast about as far west as Swellendam in the Western Cape. Around Hoedspruit, this species is more restricted to the cooler and forested escarpment of the Mpumalanga Drakensberg and may be found above Kampersrus, Bushbuckridge and Hazeyview to White River. It is the larger of the two night adder species, averaging around 40 – 60cm but may reach a length of around a meter.
In the hotter lowveld areas, the dominant species is the smaller snouted night adder (Causus defilippii). This species averages around 20 – 30cm with a maximum length of just over 40cm. The snouted night adder has a characteristic upturned snout that gives it its common name.
Both species are brown to grey in colour with a series of dark blotches down the back and a single “V” marking on the back of the head, which is broader in the snouted night adder. Despite the common name, night adders are usually more active during the day but may be seen active around dusk, especially after hot days.
Night adders are different from typical adders, like the puff adder, in that they lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young. Anywhere from 3 – 28 small eggs are laid in early summer, usually under a log or rock. The eggs take between 70 – 90 days to hatch depending on temperature – the warmer the temperature, the shorter the development time. The hatchlings measure just over 10cm. Night adders feed predominantly on toads and other frogs, using the strong venom to rapidly immobilize the frog .
Both species are venomous, although not deadly to humans. The venom causes pain and swelling that usually subsides after a few days. The larger common night adder has a greater venom yield and the bites are usually more painful. Bites to small children should be treated in a clinic or hospital.
Bites to dogs may be serious and a handful of deaths have been recorded. Dogs bitten by a night adder should be taken to a vet as soon as possible. Night adders may be common around houses, where they may hide under piles of firewood or garden debris. These snakes may be quite irritable and are quick to bite if accidentally trod on or approached too closely. If you encounter an unwelcomed night adder in your garden or house, you can find a local snake remover on the free ASI SNAKES app the link to which is supplied below.
Check out the website on www.africansnakebiteinstitute.com – get your FREE App on the link http://bit.ly/snakebiteapp
