Bitis heraldica explained

Bitis heraldica is a venomous viper species endemic to Angola. It is easily distinguished from B. caudalis by its heavily speckled belly and lack of any supraocular "horns". No subspecies are currently recognized.

Taxonomy

Its common names include Angolan adder[1] [2] and Bocage's horned adder.

Description

The maximum recorded total length (body + tail) is 405mm.[1]

Distribution and habitat

It is found on the high plateau of central Angola.

The type locality given is "sur les bords de la rivière Calae, l'un des affluents de Cunene, entre le 13

o et 14o parallèle á l'est de Caconda." [Calai River (tributary of the [[Cunene River|Kunene]]), Cacanda, Angola.

It commonly inhabits rocky mountain slopes.[1]

Behavior

Nothing is known of its behavior, as less than 20 specimens have ever been collected.[1]

Venom

Nothing is known of the venom composition, and no bites have ever been recorded.[1]

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp.
  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. .