Common names: Usambara bush viper,[1] horned bush viper, eyelash bush viper, more.
Atheris ceratophora is a venomous viper species endemic to a few mountain ranges in Tanzania. This used to be the only horned, arboreal viper known from Africa, until the discovery in 2011 of Atheris matildae, also found in Tanzania.[1] No subspecies are currently recognized.
It grows to a maximum total length (body + tail) of 54cm (21inches). Females are slightly larger than males. The maximum total length for a male is reported to be 42cm (17inches), the tail of which measured 8cm (03inches).[2]
Easily recognized by a set of 3-5 horn-like superciliary scales above each eye. The rostral scale is more than twice as broad as high. There are 9 upper labials. The first 3 lower labials on each side are in contact with the one pair of chin shields.[2]
Midbody, the dorsal scales number 21-25. The ventral scale count is 142-152. There are 41-56 subcaudals.[2]
The color pattern consists of a yellowish-green, olive, gray or black ground color. This may or may not be overlaid by variable markings, sometimes in the form of irregular black spots or cross-bars that may be lined with yellow or white spots. The belly is dirty orange to almost black in color, sometimes with dark spots.[1]
Usambara bush viper,[1] horned bush viper, eyelash bush viper, Usambara mountain bush viper,[2] horned tree viper, Usambara tree viper.[3]
It is found in the Usambara and Uzungwe Mountains in Tanzania. It is probably also found in the Uluguru Mountains.[1]
The type locality is "Usambara" Mountains [Tanzania].
Found in grass and low bushes about 1m (03feet) above the ground[1] in woodlands and forests at altitudes of 700-.
Like other Atheris species, it is probably active mainly at night, or at dawn or dusk.