Cerastes cerastes, commonly known as the horned viper, is a venomous snake of the family Viperidae that inhabits the deserts of North Africa and parts of the Middle East. It is recognized by the prominent horn-like scales that protrude from its head, just above the eyes, although some populations may lack these horns and have a smooth head.
The body of Cerastes cerastes is robust and relatively short, with a length that generally ranges between 40 and 80 centimeters. Its coloration varies between shades of yellow, brown, gray or red, providing it with effective camouflage in its sandy environment. The dorsal scales are heavily keeled, giving it a rough texture to the touch.
This snake is primarily nocturnal and has crepuscular habits, meaning it is most active during the hours of dawn and dusk. During the day, it usually buries itself in the sand, exposing only its eyes and the tip of its head, allowing it to efficiently ambush prey. Its diet consists primarily of small mammals, birds, and lizards.
The Cerastes cerastes is known for its peculiar method of movement called "lateral locomotion" or "sidewinding." This method of movement allows it to move quickly and efficiently over loose desert sand, minimizing contact with the hot ground.
Its venom is hemotoxic, affecting the blood and tissues of its prey. Although a Cerastes cerastes bite can be dangerous to humans, it is rarely lethal if proper medical attention is received.
In terms of reproduction, this species is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. Females deposit between 8 and 23 eggs in underground nests, and the hatchlings are born fully formed and ready to fend for themselves.
The Cerastes cerastes is a fascinating species well adapted to its extreme environment, with characteristics that allow it to survive and thrive in one of the most inhospitable habitats on the planet.
Approximate measurements of the Viper:
The body of Cerastes cerastes is robust and relatively short, with a length that generally ranges between 40 and 80 centimeters. Its coloration varies between shades of yellow, brown, gray or red, providing it with effective camouflage in its sandy environment. The dorsal scales are heavily keeled, giving it a rough texture to the touch.
This snake is primarily nocturnal and has crepuscular habits, meaning it is most active during the hours of dawn and dusk. During the day, it usually buries itself in the sand, exposing only its eyes and the tip of its head, allowing it to efficiently ambush prey. Its diet consists primarily of small mammals, birds, and lizards.
The Cerastes cerastes is known for its peculiar method of movement called "lateral locomotion" or "sidewinding." This method of movement allows it to move quickly and efficiently over loose desert sand, minimizing contact with the hot ground.
Its venom is hemotoxic, affecting the blood and tissues of its prey. Although a Cerastes cerastes bite can be dangerous to humans, it is rarely lethal if proper medical attention is received.
In terms of reproduction, this species is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. Females deposit between 8 and 23 eggs in underground nests, and the hatchlings are born fully formed and ready to fend for themselves.
The Cerastes cerastes is a fascinating species well adapted to its extreme environment, with characteristics that allow it to survive and thrive in one of the most inhospitable habitats on the planet.
Approximate measurements of the Viper:
- Full 1:2 scale
- Length 115 mm
- Height 35 mm
- Width 78 mm
- Snout-tail length 325 mm
- Full 1:1 scale
- Length 229 mm
- Height 69 mm
- Width 155 mm
- Snout-tail length 650 mm
