Spotted night adder
A species of Night adders Scientific name : Causus maculatus Genus : Night adders
Spotted night adder, A species of Night adders
Scientific name: Causus maculatus
Genus: Night adders
Content
Description General Info
Description
Causus maculatus is venomous viper species found mainly in West- and Central Africa. No subspecies are currently recognized. Common names include forest rhombic night adder, West African night adder and spotted night adder.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
The diet of spotted night adder primarily revolves around a specific selection of available prey. It prefers smaller vertebrates, mainly amphibians such as frogs and toads, which it ambushes at night by employing its potent venom to subdue and consume.
Appearance
Spotted night adder is a small, slender snake with smooth scales. It usually has a palette of greens and yellows, often with irregular, dark spots along the body. Notable is its relatively short tail and small, rounded head. There are no significant differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Spotted night adder is a solitary, nocturnal species primarily active during the cooler hours. Exclusively terrestrial, its mobility is often slow and deliberate but capable of quick strikes when hunting. It demonstrates cannibalistic tendencies occasionally. On sensing threats, it exhibits a unique hood-flaring defensive display while emitting a hissing sound. This species does not mark its territory or display overtly aggressive territorial behaviors.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Night adders Species
Spotted night adder 
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