Bitis arietans somalica explained

Bitis arietans somalica (Somali: Abeeso) also known as the Somali puff adder,^[1] is a venomous viper subspecies found only in Somalia, eastern Ethiopia, and northern Kenya.^[2] It is distinguished from B. a. arietans by its keeled subcaudals.^[1]

Normally, B. arietans grows to a total length (body and tail) around 800–900 mm (about 32-36 in). In northern Kenya, Somalia, and though, they grow unusually large, reaching total lengths up to 1905mm.^[2]

Geographic range

This snake is found in northeastern Kenya, eastern Ethiopia, Somalia (including Coiama Island), a^[2] The type locality given is "Bohodle, 2100 ft., (Bohodle, 640 m,).

Further reading

• Parker HW. 1949. The Snakes of Somalia and the Sokotra Islands. Zoologische Verhandelingen 6: 1-115. ("Bitis lachesis somalica subsp. nov.", pp. 101–105 + figure.)

Notes and References

1. Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. 359 pp. .
2. Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. .