The orbits (eyes) are separated by 7–9 scales. Mostly nocturnal. [4], Capable of climbing reeds and stalks, this species is often found basking on top of flowers and terminal leaves. The Atheris Hispida's body is covered with elongated, heavily keeled dorsal scales that give this species a "shaggy", almost bristly appearance. The nostril is like a slit and separated from the eye by two scales. The crown is covered with small imbricate or smooth scales, none of which is enlarged. Atheris hispida is a venomous viper species endemic to Central Africa. The eyes are large and surrounded by 9–16 circumorbital scales. Atheris hispida is often referred to as the Hairy Bush Viper.
No subspecies are currently recognized.
Seventeen species are currently recognized. Not much is known about their venom except that it is mainly neurotoxic. [2], They inhabit rainforest regions, mostly in remote areas far from human activity. [2], All species are strictly arboreal, although they can sometimes be found on or near the ground.
Atheris hispida is a venomous viper species endemic to Central Africa. The head is thickly covered with keeled, imbricate scales. squamigera.
The spiny bush viper is a rarely seen, spectacular tree viper species found in Central Africa. Sep 24, 2015 - Explore rabiKing's board "atheris hispida" on Pinterest. "Comparative Profiling of Three. A. squamigera is reported to do very well in captivity, needing only arboreal access and having no particular temperature requirements. The supralabials number 7-10, of which the fourth is enlarged. [5] Mating takes place in October and November, and the females give birth to live young in March and April.[7]. [5], Members of this genus come in an amazing variety of colors and patterns, often within a single species. Newborns are about 15 cm (5.9 in) in total length. It is known for its extremely keeled dorsal scales that give it an almost bristly appearance, A thought-provoking blend of high fashion, art and culture brought to you by the creators of AnOther Magazine. [2] Until recently, their venom has often been regarded as less toxic than that of many other species, perhaps because bites are uncommon,[3] but this turned out not to be the case. [6], They are found in tropical subsaharan Africa, excluding southern Africa. [8][9][10] One case was fatal. The mouth has a very large gape. It is apparently a slug eating species. Fake - Various colors of Viper - This viper is green and black as shown in the original image on the bottom. [3], The body is slender, tapering, and slightly compressed. Wang, He, et al. [2], All species have a broad, triangular head that is distinct from the neck. The type locality given is "Lutunguru, Kivu" (DR Congo). A bite can be fatal to humans without access to proper first aid and subsequent antivenom treatment. Besides the neurotoxins, they also carry cytotoxins and fasciculins. Sometimes hunts for mammalian prey on the ground. The eye and the supralabials are separated by a single row of scales. Laterally these are smaller than the middorsals. 1996).
[6], Atheris species have been known to prey upon a variety of small amphibians, lizards, rodents, birds, and even other snakes. [3][6] Prey is typically ambushed from a hanging position, held until it has succumbed to the venom and then swallowed. (2018). The eyes are separated from the supralabials by 1–3 scale rows and from the nasal by 2–3 scales. It is known for its extremely keeled dorsal scales that give it a bristly appearance. It is known for its extremely keeled dorsal scales that give it a bristly appearance. [4][2] hairy bush viper,[2][5] rough-scaled tree viper,[5] African hairy bush viper,[6] hairy viper. [2] No subspecies are currently recognized. There are 133–175 rounded ventral scales. The canthus is also distinct and the snout is broad. They once had a much wider distribution but are now declining. The scales around the head and neck are the longest, decreasing posteriorly.
Captive specimens take mice and small birds. DeChevalier has uploaded 47 photos to Flickr.