Saharan horned viper
A species of Horned vipers, Also known as Desert sidewinding horned viper, Desert horned viper, African desert horned viper, Horned viper Scientific name : Cerastes cerastes Genus : Horned vipers
Saharan horned viper, A species of Horned vipers
Also known as:
Desert sidewinding horned viper, Desert horned viper, African desert horned viper, Horned viper
Scientific name: Cerastes cerastes
Genus: Horned vipers
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Joachim und Peter , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Cerastes cerastes (common names: Saharan horned viper, horned desert viper, more) is a venomous viper species native to the deserts of Northern Africa and parts of the Middle East. It often is easily recognised by the presence of a pair of supraocular "horns", although hornless individuals do occur. No subspecies are currently recognised.
General Info
Lifespan
5-15 years
Diet
Saharan horned viper is a carnivorous species, primarily feeding on small rodents. Its diet also includes birds and reptiles, relying on ambush tactics to capture unsuspecting prey. It prefers nocturnal hunting when temperatures are milder.
Appearance
Saharan horned viper is a medium-sized snake with a slender, elongated body. Its skin is covered in keeled scales that are usually sandy or reddish-brown, blending perfectly with the desert environment. This snake's most unique feature is the pair of horn-like protrusions above its eyes, though some individuals lack these 'horns'. No significant difference exists between the appearance of males and females or across different age groups.
Behavior
Saharan horned viper is a nocturnal and solitary species, known for its 'sidewinding' form of locomotion in desert sands. It exhibits a unique behavior called 'caudal luring', where it uses its tail to entice prey. This species is an ambush predator and relies heavily on camouflage for survival.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Horned vipers Species
Saharan horned viper 
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