Bitis Schneideri: World's Smallest But Deadly Snake

By: EjazUlHaqBhat

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The Bitis schneideri, also known as the Namaqua dwarf adder, is the world's smallest venomous snake

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The Bitis schneideri is the smallest species of the genus Bitis and possibly the world's smallest viper

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The Namaqua dwarf adder averages 20 cm in length, but can grow to a maximum of 28 cm

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This snake is native to the coastal region between Namibia and South Africa

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The snake is named after Dr Oskar Schneider, a professor and conchologist

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The Namaqua dwarf adder is a sidewinder that ambushes prey by shuffling into the sand, leaving only its eyes exposed 

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It uses its black tail tip to lure prey. The Namaqua dwarf adder eats lizards, small mammals, frogs, and skinks

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Its venom is cytotoxic and causes pain, swelling, and discoloration at the site of the bite

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