Bitis parviocula
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| Bitis parviocula Böhme, 1977 |
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Bitis parviocula is a venomous viper species found only in south-west Ethiopia. It is large with a broad head and spectacular geometric markings. In 1995, the species was known from only three specimens. Consequently, nothing is known about its natural history or its venom.[3] No subspecies are currently recognized.[4]
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[edit] Description
The maximum recorded specimen was 75.2 cm in length. However, it is similar to the rhinoceros viper (B. nasicornis) and "probably" grows to over 1 m in length. The head is long, flat, triangular and covered with small, strongly keeled scales. Both the eyes and the nostrils are large, with the latter set well forward. The head is distinct from the thin neck. The body is cylindrical with a slight vertebral ridge, while the tail short. The dorsal scales are keeled and number 37-39 at midbody.[3]
The color pattern consists of a light brown to dark brown ground color overlaid with a series of black hexagons, or diamonds, that run down the center of the back. The black hexagons may have paler crossbars, while being separated from each other by a chain of yellow butterfly shapes. A series of black triangular or subtriangular spots, each with a white center, run down the upper flanks. The lower flanks have a series of greenish-gray triangles, pointing upwards, with yellow edges; especially the tips. The flanks between these triangles are a mottled green color. The head is brown with a dark triangle between the eyes and a dark hammer shape just behind it that extends onto the nape of the neck. The iris is brown. The side of the head is dark, but with a pale stripe that runs from the eye down to the labials. The upper labial scales are white. The chin and throat are white with black speckling. The belly is greenish-gray and may be clear, or with black speckling.[3]
[edit] Geographic range
Known from only three localities in the highlands to south-west Ethiopia, at altitudes of 2,000–3,000 m. The type locality is given as "Doki River bridge (), bei Yambo (=Yembo), an der Straße von Metu nach Bedelle, Provinz Illubabor, SW-Äthiopien" [Ethiopia].[3][1]
[edit] Habitat
Of the three specimens that were known in 1995, two were found in forested areas west of the Rift Valley and one was found in grassland to the east. Of the two western specimens, one was caught in a forest clearing in an old coffee plantation, while the other was found in a forest town, hiding in grass of the grounds of a brewery. The eastern specimen was found in high grassland near a rocky stream.[3][2]
[edit] Behavior
Mostly unknown. Assumed to be terrestrial and nocturnal. In 1995. the only living specimen known was less irritable than the typical puff adder (B. arietans) and was not inclined to strike. However, it hissed when teased and struggled "furiously" when restrained, suggesting that its temperament may be similar to that of the Gaboon viper (B. gabonica).[3]
[edit] Venom
The toxicity and composition of the venom is unknown. There are also no known cases of envenomation, but it is assumed that it is the cause of at least some of the bites reported in the densly populated regions where it occurs. The local people consider it very dangerous.[2]
[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 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 c d e f g Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.
- ^ Bitis parviocula (TSN 634957). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 26 July 2006.
[edit] External links
- Bitis parviocula at the TIGR Reptile Database. Accessed 2 August 2007.
- Bitis parviocula image at Blue Chameleon Ventures. Accessed 6 June 2006.
- Video of Bitis parviocula at YouTube. Accessed 14 February 2008.
- Video of Bitis parviocula feeding at YouTube. Accessed 3 March 2008.
