Atheris ceratophora
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| Atheris ceratophora Werner, 1895 |
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Common names: Usambara bush viper,[2] horned bush viper,[3] eyelash bush viper,[4] more.
Atheris ceratophora is a venomous viper species found only in a few mountain ranges in Tanzania. This is the only horned, arboreal viper in Africa.[2] No subspecies are currently recognized.[5]
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[edit] Description
Grown to a maximum length of 54 cm. Females slightly larger than males. The maximum length for a male is reported to be 42 cm, the tail of which measured 8 cm.[6]
Easily recognized by a set of 3-5 horn-like superciliary scales above each eye. The rostral scale has more than twice the length of its width. It has 9 upper labials. The chin shield contacts 3 of the lower labials.[6]
Mid-body, the dorsal scales number 21-25. The ventral scale count is 142-152. There are 41-56 subcaudals.[6]
The color pattern consists of a yellowish-green, olive, gray or black ground color. This may or may not be overlaid by variable markings, sometimes in the form of irregular black spots or cross-bars that may be lined with yellow or white spots. The belly is dirty orange to almost black in color, sometimes with dark spots.[2]
[edit] Common names
Usambara bush viper,[2] horned bush viper,[3] eyelash bush viper,[4] Usambara mountain bush viper.[6]
[edit] Geographic range
The Usambara and Uzungwe Mountains in Tanzania. The type locality is "Usambara" Mountains [Tanzania].[1] They are probably also found in the Uluguru Mountains.[2]
[edit] Habitat
Found in grass and low bushes about 1 m above the ground[2] in woodlands and forests at altitudes of 700-2000 m.
[edit] Behavior
Like other Atheris species, it is probably active mainly at night, or at dawn or dusk.
[edit] See also
[edit] Cited references
- ^ a b McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
- ^ a b c d e f Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.
- ^ a b Species Atheris ceratophora at the EMBL Reptile Database
- ^ a b World of Atheris: Atheris ceratophora at kingsnake.com
- ^ Atheris ceratophora (TSN 634942). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 13 July 2006.
- ^ a b c d Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. ISBN 0-89464-877-2.
[edit] External links
- Atheris ceratophora at Corallus.com. Accessed 8 October 2006.
- Atheris ceratophora at baumpython.com. Accessed 8 October 2006.
