First described in 1997 (4), this small adder is characterised by orange-brown colouration that strongly camouflages it against the sandy substrate of its habitat. Although this reddish colouration is thought typical of the species, earning the snake its common name, markings and colouration are highly variable, and darker, patterned specimens also exist (5). The body of patterned individuals is greyish-brown with rows of darker, blackish blotches running down its length, more conspicuous above and paler on the sides, between which there may be a series of contrasting pale bluish patches. These patterned red adders closely resemble the southern adder (Bitis armata), but can be distinguished by having many more scales on their underside (3). Like some other species of the cornuta-inornata complex, the red adder has distinctive tuft-like scales protruding above each eye and a broad, triangular head, typical of viperids (6) (7).
- Male length: up to 335 mm (2)
- Female length: up to 386 mm (2)