Atractaspis irregularis

Atractaspis irregularis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Atractaspididae
Genus: Atractaspis
Species: A. irregularis
Binomial name
Atractaspis irregularis
(J.T. Reinhardt, 1843)
Synonyms

Atractaspis irregularis, or the variable burrowing asp, is a species of venomous snake in the Atractaspididae family.[2]

Geographic range

It is endemic to Africa.[3]

Description

Atractaspis irregularis is completely dark brown or black.

Snout very short, rounded. Portion of rostral visible from above measuring ⅔ to ¾ its distance from the frontal. Frontal as long as broad, much longer than its distance from the end of the snout. Dorsal scales in 25 or 27 rows. Ventrals 220-257; anal divided; subcaudals 22-28, divided.

Adults may attain a total length of 56 cm (22 inches), with a tail 3.5 cm (1⅜ inch) long.[4]

References

  1. ^ Boulenger, G.A. 1896. 'Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume III. London. pp. 513-514.
  2. ^ "Atractaspis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=209551. Retrieved 29 August 2007. 
  3. ^ Spawls, S. & Branch, B. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Dubai: Oriental Press, 1995. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.
  4. ^ Boulenger, G.A. 1896. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume III. London. pp. 513-514.