Atheris nitschei rungweensis
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| Atheris nitschei rungweensis Bogert, 1940 |
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Atheris nitschei rungweensis is a venomous viper subspecies[6] found in Africa in Tanzania, Zambia and Malawi.[2]
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[edit] Description
Grows to a maximum length of 65 cm. Midbody, it has 22-33 dorsal scale rows. The ventral scales number 150-165 and the subcaudals 46-58.[3]
The color pattern is variable, with a ground color that ranges from bright green to green to black. Usually, this is overlaid with a pair of yellow dorsolateral zigzag lines. A row of yellow spots on the sides of the ventral scales may also be present. Specimens from the Sumbawanga region usually have a green yellow and black color pattern.Neonates are a dark brown or gray, but with a bright yellow tail tip.[7]
[edit] Common names
Rungwe tree viper,[2][3] Rungwe bush viper,[4] Rungwe leaf viper,[5] Mount Rungwe bush viper.[7]
[edit] Geographic range
Scattered locations from south-west Tanzania to north-east Zambia and south to the Nyika Plateau in north Malawi.[2] The type locality is listed as "Rungwe Mountains, Tanganyika Territory."[1]
[edit] Habitat
Found in low bushes along streams and at the edges of mountain forests at altitudes of 800-2000 m.[3][8] Occasionally encountered in moist savannah, woodland and hill forest habitats.[7]
[edit] Taxonomy
Also be referred to by some as a species: Atheris rungweensis.[7]
[edit] See also
- List of viperine species and subspecies
- Viperinae by common name
- Viperinae by taxonomic synonyms
- Snakebite
[edit] 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 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 c d Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. 359 pp. ISBN 0-89464-877-2.
- ^ a b Atheris rungweensis at the TIGR Reptile Database. Accessed 9 September 2007.
- ^ a b Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
- ^ Atheris nitschei rungweensis (TSN 635231). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 17 July 2006.
- ^ a b c d Spawls S, Howell K, Drewes R, Ashe J. 2004. A Field Guide To The Reptiles Of East Africa. London: A & C Black Publishers Ltd. 543 pp. ISBN 0-7136-6817-2.
- ^ Atheris rungweensis at The World Of Atheris. Accessed 9 September 2007.
