Mike Patrick, age 14, of Tacoma, Wash., for his question:

IS THE ADDER POISONOUS?

Adder is a name given to several different snakes in various parts of the world. Some of these snakes are poisonous while others are harmless.

A snake in England called the adder, or common European adder, is actually a northern viper. This is the only poisonous snake found in Great Britain.

The puff adder of Africa is a large, deadly snake with distinct markings. It has a thick body and long fangs. It definitely belongs in the "poisonous" class.

Another poisonous adder is the death adder of Australia. This is a very dangerous snake that is actually related to the cobra.

The harmless "hognose snakes" of the United States are commonly called "blowing adders." They get their name from their habit of hissing and flattening the front part of their bodies when they are disturbed.