Biting as an intraspecific behaviour of a male Common European Adder (Vipera berus, Linnaeus 1758) during courtship and mating competition

Abstract

The article describes the first record of biting as an intraspecific behaviour of a male Common European Adder (Vipera berus) during courtship and mating. In venomous snakes this behaviour is rather rare and in Vipera berus this is the first time it has been observed in the wild. This behaviour is compared to similar observations in snakes and potential reasons are discussed.