Atheris ceratophora
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Atheris ceratophora is a venomous viper species endemic to a few mountain ranges in Tanzania. This used to be the only horned, arboreal viper known from Africa, until the discovery in 2011 of Atheris matildae, also found in Tanzania.[1] No subspecies are currently recognized.[4]
Description
It grows to a maximum total length (body + tail) of Script error: No such module "convert".. Females are slightly larger than males. The maximum total length for a male is reported to be Script error: No such module "convert"., the tail of which measured Script error: No such module "convert"..[5]
Easily recognized by a set of 3-5 horn-like superciliary scales above each eye. The rostral scale is more than twice as broad as high. There are 9 upper labials. The first 3 lower labials on each side are in contact with the one pair of chin shields.[5]
Midbody, the dorsal scales number 21-25. The ventral scale count is 142-152. There are 41-56 subcaudals.[5]
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.[1]
Common names
Usambara bush viper,[1] horned bush viper,[2] eyelash bush viper,[3] Usambara mountain bush viper,[5] horned tree viper, Usambara tree viper.[6]
Geographic range
It is found in the Usambara and Uzungwe Mountains in Tanzania. It is probably also found in the Uluguru Mountains.[1]
The type locality is "Usambara" Mountains [Tanzania].[7]
Habitat
Found in grass and low bushes about Script error: No such module "convert". above the ground[1] in woodlands and forests at altitudes of Script error: No such module "convert"..
Behavior
Like other Atheris species, it is probably active mainly at night, or at dawn or dusk.
Gallery
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Specimen part of the collection of the Natural History Museum of Denmark
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Field observation in Tanzania
References
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- ↑ a b c d e f Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. Template:ISBN.
- ↑ a b Atheris ceratophora at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 2 August 2007.
- ↑ a b Template:WOA
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- ↑ a b c d Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. Template:ISBN.
- ↑ Brown JH. 1973. Toxicology and Pharmacology of Venoms from Poisonous Snakes. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas. 184 pp. LCCCN 73-229. Template:ISBN.
- ↑ Cite error: Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".
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Further reading
- Boulenger GA. 1896. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume III., Containing the...Viperidæ. London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers.) xiv + 727 pp. + Plates I.- XXV. (Atheris ceratophorus, p. 510.)
- Werner F. 1895. Ueber einige Reptilien aus Usambara (Deutsch-Ostafrika). Zoologisch-Botanische Gesellschaft in Wien 45: 190-194.
("Atheris ceratophora n. sp.", p. 194 + Plate V, Figures 1a-1e.)
External links
- Atheris ceratophora at Corallus.com. Accessed 8 October 2006.
- Atheris ceratophora at Baumpython.com. Accessed 8 October 2006.