Atheris ceratophora

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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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]

Common names

Usambara bush viper,^[2] horned bush viper,^[3] eyelash bush viper,^[4] Usambara mountain bush viper,^[6] horned tree viper, Usambara tree viper.^[7]

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]

Habitat

Found in grass and low bushes about 1 m above the ground^[2] in woodlands and forests at altitudes of 700-2000 m.

Behavior

Like other Atheris species, it is probably active mainly at night, or at dawn or dusk.

See also

• List of viperine species and subspecies
• Viperinae by common name
• Viperinae by taxonomic synonyms
• Snakebite

References