Atheris hispida

Laurent, 1955

Bristly Bush Viper

Photo by Ricky Duffield of Exotic Reptiles Jungle

Synonyms

Atheris squamigera  (part, not Hallowell) Schmidt, 19232
Atheris squamiger  (part, not Hallowell) Witte, 1933
Atheris squamigera squamigera  (part, not Hallowell) Witte, 1941
Atheris hispida  Laurent, 1955
Atheris squamiger squamiger  (not Hallowell) Pitman, 1974
Atheris hispidus  Meirte, 1992

Etymology

The name hispida is derived from the Latin hispidus [bristly]. The English word "hispid" means covered with stiff or rough hairs, or bristly.

Other Common Names

Rough-scaled Bush (or Tree) Viper; Spiny Bush Viper; Hairy Bush Viper.

Distribution

Isolated populations in western Kenya, southwestern Uganda, and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo [formerly Zaire] near Lakes Victoria, Edward, and Kivu.

Description

Heavily keeled, elongated, and upturned scales. Snout is rounded and eyes are very large. Variable in color and pattern: yellowish green, olive brown, brownish, or black with a pale green venter (also may be black) becoming darker bluish or black caudally. Most members of this species have a dark chevron on head, and many have chevrons or zig-zag markings on body. Males are smaller and more slender than females, which may reach a length of up to 70 cm (28 inches).

Habitat and Behavior

Equatorial and gallery forests, inland swamps, reed and papyrus swamps adjacent to lakes and rivers. Altitudes between 800-1900 meters. The stomach of the holotype contained a snail. May feed primarily on Hyperolidae reed frogs, but the "rapid slurping" feeding technique that this species is known to exhibit may suggest a specialization for soft-bodied invertebrates such as snails and slugs.