Gloydius caucasicus explained

Gloydius caucasicus, the Caucasian pit viper, is a species of venomous snake in the genus Gloydius found in Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Afghanistan.^[1]

Etymology

The specific name, caucasicus, is derived from the Caucasus region, where this species is commonly found.^[2]

Description

The average length of mature individuals is up to 750 mm. The body pattern consists of a pale gray or brown background, overlaid with 36-50 dark transverse bands that do not extend low on the sides. These bands are separated by relatively broad light areas. The head is typically dark brown or black, with beige or pale-gray sides.^{[1] [3]}

Geographical range

The Caucasian pit viper (Gloydius caucasicus) is found in Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Afghanistan. This species inhabits a variety of environments, including rocky areas and mountainous regions.^{[1] [4]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: Gloydius caucasicus. reptile-database.reptarium.cz . Zoological Museum Hamburg . 2024-08-15.
2. Book: Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael. 2011. The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Johns Hopkins University Press. Baltimore. 50. 978-1-4214-0135-5.
3. Orlov, Nikolai L.. 2007. The Snakes of Russia and Adjacent Countries. Herpetological Journal. 17. 1-2.
4. Asadi, Atefeh; Montgelard, Claudine; Nazarizadeh, Masoud; Moghaddasi, Akram; Fatemizadeh, Faezeh; Simonov, Evgeniy; Kami, Haji Gholi; Kaboli, Mohammad. 2019. Evolutionary history and postglacial colonization of an Asian pit viper (Gloydius halys caucasicus) into transcaucasia revealed by phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses. Scientific Reports. 9. 1224.