Bitis arietans somalica

Bitis arietans somalica
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Suborder:Serpentes
Family:Viperidae
Genus:Bitis
Species: B. arietans
Subspecies: B. a. somalica
Trinomial name
Bitis arietans somalica
Parker, 1949
Synonyms
  • Bitis lachesis somalica
    Parker, 1949
  • Bitis arietans somalica
    — Loveridge, 1957[1]

Bitis arietans somalica (Somali: Abeeso) also known as the Somali puff adder,[2] is a venomous viper subspecies[3] found only in Somalia , eastern Ethiopia and northern Kenya.[4]

Description

Distinguished from other B. arietans by its keeled subcaudals.[2]

Normally, B. arietans grows to a total length (body + tail) of about 800–900 mm (about 32-36 inches). However, in northern Kenya, and Somalia, they grow unusually large, reaching total lengths of up to 1,905 mm (75.0 in).[4]

Geographic range

North eastern Kenya, eastern Ethiopia, Somalia (including Coiama Island).[4] The type locality given is "Bohodle, 2100 ft., Somalia" (Bohodle, 640 m, Somalia).[1] also north regions of Somalia Togdheer and Salaxley (Gaaroodi) and Hawd areas

See also

References

  1. 1 2 McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Volume 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
  2. 1 2 Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. 359 pp. ISBN 0-89464-877-2.
  3. ↑ "Bitis arietans somalica". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 27 August 2006.
  4. 1 2 3 Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.

Further reading

  • Parker HW. 1949. The Snakes of Somaliland and the Sokotra Islands. Zoologische Verhandelingen 6: 1-115. ("Bitis lachesis somalica subsp. nov.", pp. 101–105 + figure.)
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