Echis hughesi | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Viperidae |
Genus: | Echis |
Species: | E. hughesi |
Binomial name | |
Echis hughesi Cherlin, 1990 | |
Synonyms [2] | |
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Echis hughesi, also known commonly as Hughes' carpet viper, the Somali carpet viper, [3] and Hughes' saw-scaled viper, [1] [4] is a species of venomous snake in the subfamily Viperinae of the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to Somalia. [1] [2] [4] There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid. [4] [5]
The specific name, hughesi, is in honor of British herpetologist Barry Hughes. [4] [6]
E. hughesi grows to a total length (including tail) of about 21–32 cm (8.3–12.6 in). The head scalation is similar to that of E. pyramidum . Midbody, there are 24–25 dorsal scale rows. The ventrals number 144–149, and the subcaudals number 28–30. The color pattern varies, but generally consists of a series of pale, oblique, dorsal blotches set against a darker ground color. [3]
E. hughesi is found only in northern Somalia, in northern Migiurtinia, near Meledin. [1]
The type locality is listed as "Somalia, 10°02' [N lat.], 49° [E long.]". [2]
Migiurtinia was the name of a region, or gobolka, in Somalia that is currently known as Bari and occupies about 70,000 km2 (27,000 sq mi) of the tip of the Horn of Africa. [7]
Viperinae, or viperines, are a subfamily of vipers endemic to Europe, Asia and Africa. They are distinguished by their lack of the heat-sensing pit organs that characterize their sister group, the subfamily Crotalinae. Currently, 13 genera are recognized. Most are tropical and subtropical, although one species, Vipera berus, even occurs within the Arctic Circle. Like all vipers, they are venomous.
Echis carinatus, known as the saw-scaled viper, Indian saw-scaled viper, little Indian viper, and by other common names, is a viper species found in parts of the Middle East and Central Asia, and especially the Indian subcontinent. It is the smallest member of the "big four" Indian snakes that are responsible for causing the most snakebite cases and deaths, due to various factors including their frequent occurrence in highly populated regions, and their inconspicuous nature. Like all vipers, the species is venomous. Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
Echis coloratus, known as the painted saw-scaled viper, painted carpet viper, Burton's carpet viper, and by other common names, is a highly venomous viper species endemic to the Middle East and Egypt. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Echis megalocephalus, also known commonly as the big-headed carpet viper and Cherlin's saw-scaled viper, is a species of venomous snake in the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to one island in the Red Sea off the coast of Eritrea. There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid.
Echis is a genus of vipers found in the dry regions of Africa, the Middle East, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They have a characteristic threat display, rubbing sections of their body together to produce a "sizzling" warning sound. The name Echis is the Latin transliteration of the Greek word for "viper" (ἔχις). Like all vipers, they are venomous. Their common name is "saw-scaled vipers" and they include some of the species responsible for causing the most snakebite cases and deaths in the world. Twelve species are currently recognized.
Echis jogeri, known as the Joger's carpet viper, Mali carpet viper, Joger's saw-scaled viper, is a species of venomous snake in the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to Mali. There are no subspecies which are recognized as being valid.
Echis leucogaster, also known as the white-bellied carpet viper or the Roman's saw-scaled viper, is a viper species endemic to West and Northwest Africa. Its scientific name derives from its white (leuco-), unmarked belly (gaster). like all other vipers, it is venomous. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Echis ocellatus, known by the common names West African carpet viper and ocellated carpet viper, is a highly venomous species of viper endemic to West Africa. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Echis pyramidum, known as the Northeast African carpet viper, Egyptian saw-scaled viper, and by other common names, is a species of viper endemic to Northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Like all other vipers, it is venomous. Three subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
Echis carinatus astolae, known as the Astola saw-scaled viper, is a viper subspecies endemic to Astola Island off the coast of Pakistan. Like all other vipers, it is venomous.
Echis carinatus multisquamatus, known as the multiscale saw-scaled viper and transcaspian saw-scaled viper, is a viper subspecies found in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Like all other vipers, it is venomous.
Echis carinatus sinhaleyus is a venomous viper subspecies endemic to Sri Lanka.
Echis carinatus sochureki is a venomous viper subspecies found in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula.
Echis pyramidum aliaborri is a venomous viper subspecies endemic to northern Kenya.
Echis pyramidum leakeyi is a venomous viper subspecies endemic to northern East Africa.
Vipera darevskii, known as Darevsky's viper, is a small species of viper, a venomous snake in the subfamily Viperinae of the family Viperidae. The species is native to northwestern Armenia, northeastern Turkey, and possibly also adjacent southern Georgia. There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid.
Montivipera latifii, known as Latifi's viper, the Iranian valley viper, or the Lar Valley viper, is a species of venomous snake in the subfamily Viperinae of the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to Iran. There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid.
Craspedocephalus brongersmai, also known commonly as Brongersma's pit viper, is a species of venomous snake in the subfamily Crotalinae of the family Viperidae. The species is native to islands off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Trimeresurus tibetanus, commonly known as the Tibetan bamboo pit viper, is a venomous pit viper species found only in Tibet. No subspecies are currently recognized.