Echis carinatus astolae explained

Echis carinatus astolae, known as the Astola saw-scaled viper,[1] is a viper subspecies endemic to Astola Island off the coast of Pakistan. Like all other vipers, it is venomous.

Description

The color pattern consists of a series of dark brown dorsal blotches on a whitish background. Laterally, there are 1-3 rows of dark brown spots with no light arcs. On the head, there is a three-pronged, light mark directed towards the snout. From the temporals, a light lateral line meets at the frontal region, with a branch to the snout.[1]

Geographic range

Echis carinatus astolae is found only on Astola Island, off the coast of Makran, Pakistan.

The type locality is therefore the same: "Insel Astola, Makranküste, West-Pakistan" [Astola Island (25<span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>o</sup></span> 07' N; 63<span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>o</sup></span> 51' E) off the Makran coast, Pakistan].

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. http://www.wildlifeofpakistan.com/ReptilesofPakistan/sawscaledviper.htm Saw-scaled Viper, ...