Red adder

The red adder is a viper species found only in Western Cape Province, South Africa. No subspecies are currently recognised. Like all other vipers, it is venomous.

Taxonomy

Bitis rubida was described as a new species in 1997 by William Roy "Bill" Branch. Prior to that time, specimens of this snake had been identified as belonging to several other species and subspecies of the genus Bitis. The type locality given is "Jeep track above Farm Driehoek, Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape Province, South Africa; 32°25'44"S, 19°12'30"E, alt. 1380 m ; 3219AC."
The common name is "red adder".

Description

Maximum recorded total lengths are for females and for males.

Distribution and habitat

Several isolated populations are found in the northern Cape Fold Mountains and inland escarpment in Western Cape Province, South Africa.