Atractaspis aterrima
| Atractaspis aterrima | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Atractaspididae |
| Genus: | Atractaspis |
| Species: | A. aterrima |
| Binomial name | |
| Atractaspis aterrima Günther, 1863 | |
Atractaspis aterrima, commonly known as the slender burrowing asp or mole viper,[1] is a species of venomous snake in the Atractaspididae family.[2] The specific epithet, aterrima, meaning "blackest", is the superlative form of the Latin adjective ater, meaning "black".[3]
Geographic range
It is endemic to western and central Africa.[4]
Description
It is totally black or dark brown. Adults may reach a total length of 65 cm (25½ inches), with a tail 3 cm (1⅛ inch) long. The dorsal scales are in 19 or 21 rows. Ventrals 251-300; anal entire; subcaudals single (not paired) 18-24. Five upper labials, third and fourth entering the eye, fourth largest. A large temporal, wedged in between the fourth and fifth upper labials. First lower labial in contact with its fellow behind the mental; three lower labials in contact with the chin shields, third extremely large.[5]
References
- ↑ The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
- ↑ "Atractaspis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 29 August 2007.
- ↑ Wright, A.H. and A.A. Wright. 1957. Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. Comstock. Ithaca and London. p. 3.
- ↑ Spawls, S. & Branch, B. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Dubai: Oriental Press, 1995. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.
- ↑ Boulenger, G.A. 1896. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume III. London. pp. 515-516.
- Günther, Albert 1863. Third Account of new Species of Snakes in the Collection of the British Museum. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., Series 3, Volume 12, pp. 348-365.