Bitis arietans somalica

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Bitis arietans somalica
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
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 [1]
  • Bitis lachesis somalica
    Parker, 1949
  • Bitis arietans somalica
    — Loveridge, 1957

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

Contents

Description

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 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 and Somalia (including Coiama Island). [4] The type locality given is "Bohodle, 2100 ft." (Bohodle, 640 m). [1]

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

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