After they shed their skins, the bright colors fade quickly as silt from their generally moist habitat accumulates on the rough scales. [19] Juveniles will eat nestling mammals, small lizards and frogs as well as worms and spiders. [8], Pit vipers have specialized sensory organs near the nostrils called heat sensing pits. Reptiles -- Their Latin Names Explained. Holding them by the tail is not safe; as it is somewhat prehensile, they can use it to fling themselves upwards and strike. These snakes can decide how much venom to inject depending on the circumstances. These are strongly keeled scales, except for those bordering the ventral scales. [2], They have been described as generally placid creatures, less so than B. gabonica, but not as bad-tempered as B. arietans. Viperids use this mechanism primarily for immobilization and digestion of prey. If a female is found and then flees, the male follows. Spawls S, Howell K, Drewes R, Ashe J. Death is usually caused by collapse in blood pressure. Many of the lateral scales have white tips, giving the snake a velvety appearance. [citation needed] The type locality was originally listed as 'Europa'. The pain may spread within a few hours, along with tenderness and inflammation. gabonica. Bitis nasicornis has both neurotoxic, as well as hemotoxic venom, as do most other venomous snakes. (2004) mentioned a maximum total length of 120 cm (47 in), but admitted this is exceptional, quoting an average total length of 60–90 cm (about 24–35 inches). [3] Brown (1973) gives a higher subcutaneous LD50 range of 1.0–4.0 mg/kg.
[5], Preferring to hunt by ambush, it probably spends much of its life motionless, waiting for prey to wander by. A shocking snake, deeply navy blue in colour, slithers out to strike at you! The name "viper" is derived from the Latin word vipera, -ae, also meaning viper, possibly from vivus ("living") and parere ("to beget"), referring to the trait viviparity (giving live birth) common in vipers but not in snakes at large.[3]. Reddish lymphangitic lines and bruising may appear, and the whole limb can become swollen and bruised within 24 hours. It has a distinctive set of two or three horn-like scales on the end of the nose, the front pair of which may be quite long. Its range is therefore more restricted than B.
[4], Proteolytic venom is also dual-purpose: first, it is used for defense and to immobilize prey, as with neurotoxic venoms; secondly, many of the venom's enzymes have a digestive function, breaking down molecules in prey items, such as lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins.
1825. It is found from Guinea to Ghana in West Africa, and in Central Africa in the Central African Republic, southern Sudan, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, DR Congo, Angola, Rwanda, Uganda and western Kenya. The head usually has a distinctive dark V or X on the back. Death from elapid bites usually results from asphyxiation because the diaphragm can no longer contract. Females usually give birth in August or September, but sometimes as early as July, or as late as early October. [2] These are so rough and heavily keeled that they sometimes inflict cuts on handlers when the snakes struggle.
The most important determinant of venom expenditure is generally the size of the snake; larger specimens can deliver much more venom. Birds are also reported[28] to be consumed, especially nestlings and even eggs, for which they will climb into shrubbery and bushes. The great majority have vertically elliptical, or slit-shaped, pupils that can open wide to cover most of the eye or close almost completely, which helps them to see in a wide range of light levels.
[19], In Great Britain, it is illegal to kill, injure, harm or sell adders under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This is repeated until one of the two becomes exhausted and crawls off to find another mate. Factors that influence venom expenditure in viperids and other snake species during predatory and defensive contexts. [1], The type locality is listed only as "interior parts of Africa. [3], Relatively little is known about the toxicity and composition of the venom. In northern Sweden hibernation lasts 8–9 months. [26], This species is mainly diurnal, especially in the north of its range.