Leash Fen, Derbyshire: If I moved, they would slope off. So I used my binoculars to study these exquisite creatures as they soaked up the warmth.
Read more at The Guardian
Adder - 10 things to know with detail
Adders are venomous snakes found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. They are also known as common vipers.
Adders are small to medium-sized snakes, typically measuring between 50-80 cm in length. They have a distinctive V or X-shaped marking on their heads.
Adders are active during the day and are known to bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. They are commonly found in grassy areas, heathlands, and woodlands.
Adders are ambush predators, feeding primarily on small mammals, birds, and amphibians. They use their venom to immobilize their prey before swallowing it whole.
The venom of an adder is hemotoxic, meaning it affects the blood and tissues of the victim. While their venom is not usually fatal to humans, a bite can be extremely painful and may cause swelling, bruising, and in severe cases, nausea and dizziness.
Adders hibernate during the winter months in underground burrows or rock crevices to avoid the cold temperatures. They emerge in the spring to mate and feed.
Female adders give birth to live young, typically in late summer or early autumn. They can give birth to a litter of 3-20 babies, known as neonates.
Adders are known for their distinctive hissing sound when threatened or disturbed. They will also puff themselves up and strike if they feel threatened.
Adders play an important role in their ecosystems as both predators and prey. They help control populations of small rodents and insects while also providing food for larger predators.
Adders are protected under various conservation laws in Europe due to declining populations in some areas. It is important to respect and admire these fascinating creatures from a safe distance in their natural habitats.