Perenguey’s Adder

Bitis peringueyi

Also known as the sidewinder, this snake lives in the soft dunes of the Namib Desert. Its venom isn’t considered deadly to humans but is powerful enough to subdue insect and lizard prey. Wiggles its caudal lure (tip of tail) in order to attract prey. Capable of drinking coastal mist / water droplets in the early mornings from dune bushes.

Size:: Up to 32 cm
Diet:: Lizards and insects
Speed:: Very fast strike & fast moving across the sand with side-winding motion perhaps up to 8 km/hr
Habitat:: Coastal dunes
Superpower:: Bury itself into the sand avoiding the direct sun, with just their eyes and tip of tail exposed waiting for prey to come along

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