Bitis arietans somalica
Appearance
Bitis arietans somalica | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Viperidae |
Genus: | Bitis |
Species: | |
Subspecies: | B. a. somalica
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Trinomial name | |
Bitis arietans somalica Parker, 1949
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Synonyms[1] | |
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Bitis arietans somalica (Somali: Abeeso) also known as the Somali puff adder,[2] is a venomous viper subspecies[3] found only in Somalia, Somaliland, eastern Ethiopia, and northern Kenya.[4] It is distinguished from B. a. arietans by its keeled subcaudals.[2]
Normally, B. arietans grows to a total length (body and tail) around 800–900 mm (about 32-36 in). In northern Kenya, Somalia, and Somaliland, though, they grow unusually large, reaching total lengths up to 1,905 mm (75.0 in).[4]
Geographic range
This snake is found in northeastern Kenya, eastern Ethiopia, Somalia (including Coiama Island), and Somaliland.[4] The type locality given is "Bohodle, 2100 ft., Somaliland" (Bohodle, 640 m, Somaliland).[1]
References
- ^ a b 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).
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ "Bitis arietans somalica". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 27 August 2006.
- ^ a b c 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.)
External links
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