European Adder
Latin: Vipera berus (Linné 1758)
Svenska: Huggorm
Deutsch: Kreuzotter
Digestion at first bite!
The European adder is the only snake in Scandinavia with venom that is harmful to man. The venom works in two ways: it both kills the prey and begins to break down the prey’s tissue. The adder begins to digest its food at the first bite!
European adders are found over all of Uppland. Black adders are a little more common out by the coast.
In the winter, these snakes go into hibernation. They prefer to slither down as far as possible into piles of stones.
Photo: Zdeněk Fric
Latest sightings of European adder in Uppland
Wikipedia article on the European adder