| Echis megalocephalus | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Subfamily: | Viperinae |
| Genus: | Echis |
| Species: | E. megalocephalus |
| Binomial name | |
| Echis megalocephalus Cherlin, 1990 |
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| Synonyms | |
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Echis megalocephalus is a venomous viper species found only on one island in the Red Sea off the coast of Eritrea.[1] No subspecies are currently recognized.[4]
Contents |
Grows to a maximum of 54-62 cm in length. The head scalation is similar to that of E. pyramidum, although it is relatively large overall in comparison to other Echis species. Midbody, there are 31 dorsal scales. The ventrals number 186-202 and the subcaudals 33-37. The color pattern varies, but generally consists of a series of pale, oblique, dorsal blotches set against a darker ground color.[2]
Known only from the type locality: Nokra (Nocra) Island, which is part of the Dahlak Archipelago, off the coast of Eritrea in the Red Sea.[1]