Bitis arietans somalica

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]

Bitis arietans somalica
Scientific classification
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

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
  1. 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. 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. 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.)
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