Bunch of Berg adders and a mystery adder. Dialup Beware.

[Bushviper]

I had an opportunity to photograph some Berg adders (Bitis atropos). Here is a typical Drakensberg baby



Here is an adult also from the Drakensberg.



Then there is one from the Eastern Cape somewhere.



and a head shot of the same specimen.



Then we get to this pair. They are supposed to be B. atropos but I think they look like Southern Adders (B. armata) I took numerous pics so if anyone can help with the identification I would appreciate it.

First the female:







then the male:

[axor]

Hi

Some really nice looking snakes there.

What kind of venom do berg adders have ?

I know that the puff adder (Bitis arietans) has a nasty cytotoxic venom. The only info I have on berg adder is that it hisses and strikes readily but has a mild venom.

[Bushviper]

Axor Berg adders have a cytotoxic venom but have enough neurotoxic properties to make life very unpleasant. There have been a few deaths recorded from these snakes so they should not be laughed off like other small adders.

Even those that survive the bite complain of a deadness in the face muscles and the loss of their sense of smell.

[Rob]

I saw a snake which looked very much like your mystery female there in a private collection recently. He too doesn't know what it is.

[Bushbaby]

I think it's the same snake Rob as BV doesnt possess any of the above, and the pics are from a private collection.

[rubida]

They are supposed to be B. atropos but I think they look like Southern Adders (B. armata)

Hi Bushviper

Those specimens are B.atropos. I will let armata have a look at them to confirm my identification

[Rob]

Its amazing how placid they are. Of all that I saw recently not one started hissing and puffing. By the looks of these pics these atropos aren't either.

Bushbaby - There was only one of these different looking snakes in the collection I saw, and he uses different substrate.

[Bushviper]

Rob that was a Bitis xeropaga. I did not get a pic of him.

These definately look different to me. These little adders screw with my head in any case.

I have seen Red adders (B. rubida) that look like Horned adders (Bitis caudalis) and then the other way around.

Thats why I asked for some other opinions. If I collect the stuff myself I can usually say what it is. Thats so much easier.

[NEWB]

May I ask a very stupid question??

There is a photo of a rhino viper in the exotic venomous gallery that looks kinda like a Xhosa warrior. IS IT REAL???????
I am very skeptic………

[snakepeter]

Very nice specimens, thanks a lot for sharing of pictures with us...
I really love this species...

[dave]

looks very,very nice those atropos maybe the mistery
snakes are hybrids

[armata]

ALL ATROPOS DEFINITELY.

THAT MAPUMALANGA ONE VERY NICE; MARKINGS NICE AND CLEAR, USUALLY INDISTINCT ON A BROWNISH GROUND COLOUR.

[Rob]

Bushviper - The collection I viewed contained numerous xeropaga and atropos, a single cornuta and a single specimen which looked similar to your ''mystery snake''. Although your comment on that does confirm the collection you photographed for me.

[Bushviper]

Okay thanks so now they can use this male on the other females which do not have mates. Thanks very much for everyones input.

[Pythonodipsas]

WOW! I really enjoyed the pictures in this post.

BV that pair is phenomenal, especially the male! I can see why you were unsure...

- Did you get any locality info on that pair?
- Are those 'Natal' or 'TVL' Drakensburg berg adders in the first two pics?

Spikelet, great pictures of a lovely animal!