What is the scientific name of the common European adder?

The scientific name of the common European adder is Vipera berus.

The adder, also called the common European viper, has one of the broadest ranges of any terrestrial snake. It occurs across Europe and extends into parts of northern Asia, tolerating conditions far colder than most snakes. Its zigzag dorsal pattern is familiar, although some individuals are nearly black.

Vipera berus is venomous, but it is generally shy and avoids confrontation. Bites can be medically serious, especially for vulnerable people, yet fatalities are uncommon where modern treatment is available. The species often basks near cover and hibernates during cold winters.

It is sometimes confused with other European vipers, including Vipera aspis and Vipera ammodytes. Those are separate species with different distributions and head or snout characteristics. The adder is also not the same animal as North American snakes called adders in informal usage.