Bitis arietans somalica: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 10:28, 30 March 2007

Bitis arietans somalica
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Viperidae
Subfamily: Viperinae
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]

Common name: Somali puff adder.[2]


Bitis arietans somalica is a venomous viper subspecies[3] found only in Somalia, eastern Ethiopia and northern Kenya.[4]

Description

File:Bitis-arietans-somalica-2.jpg
B. a. somalica, juvenile.

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

Normally, B. arietans grows to about 800-900 mm. However, in northern Kenya, Uganda and Somalia, they grow unusually large, reaching lengths of up to 1905 mm.[4]

Geographic range

Northern Kenya, eastern Ethiopia, Somalia (incl. Coiama Island).[4] The type locality given is "Bohodle, 2100 ft,. Somaliland" (Bohodle, 640 m, Somalia).[1]

See also

Cited references

  1. 1.0 1.1 McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
  2. 2.0 2.1 Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. 359 pp. ISBN 0-89464-877-2.
  3. Bitis arietans somalica (TSN 635233). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 27 August 2006.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.