Atheris rungweensis, commonly known as the Rungwe tree viper,[1] [2] Mt Rungwe bush viper, and Rungwe leaf viper,[3] is a species of venomous viper found in East Africa.[1]
The specific name is derived from the species type locality in the Rungwe Mountains. It was formerly considered as a subspecies of Atheris nitschei.
It grows to a maximum length (body + tail) of 65cm (26inches). At midbody, it has 22–33 dorsal scale rows. The ventral scales number 150–165, and the subcaudals 46–58.[2]
The color pattern is variable, with a ground color that ranges from bright green to green to black. Usually, this is overlaid with a pair of yellow dorsolateral zigzag lines. A row of yellow spots on the sides of the ventral scales may also be present. Specimens from the Sumbawanga region usually have a green yellow and black color pattern. Neonates are a dark brown or gray, but with a bright yellow tail tip.[4]
Atheris rungweensis is known from scattered locations from south-western Tanzania to north-eastern Zambia and south to the Nyika Plateau in northern Malawi.[1]
Atheris rungweensis is usually found in low bushes along streams and at the edges of mountain forests at altitudes of 800–.[2] Occasionally, it is encountered in moist savanna, woodland, and hill forest habitats.[4]