Echis carinatus carinatus
A species of Saw-scaled vipers Scientific name : Echis carinatus carinatus Genus : Saw-scaled vipers
Echis carinatus carinatus, A species of Saw-scaled vipers
Scientific name: Echis carinatus carinatus
Genus: Saw-scaled vipers
Content
Description General Info
Photo By jayantdeshpande , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Echis carinatus carinatus is a notorious species known for its aggressive demeanor and potent venom. This nocturnal animal deploys a unique 'saw-scaled' form of locomotion for mobility and to intimidate potential threats. Ecologically, it thrives in arid regions, where it plays a vital role in controlling rodent populations.
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Primarily, echis carinatus carinatus is carnivorous, with a specialization in small mammals, particularly rodents. The snake uses venomous bites to immobilize its prey before ingestion, often hunting at night to optimize success rates.
Appearance
Echis carinatus carinatus is a small, slender snake with a rough, heavily keeled skin. Usually, the base color is light or dark brown with irregular, contrasting crossbars or chevrons. Some individuals may have a red, orange, or yellow hue. Echis carinatus carinatus has a unique, upturned nose and pronounced, saw-toothed ridges above the eyes, which distinguishes it prominently. The tail ends with a small, pointed sting.
Behavior
Echis carinatus carinatus is a solitary and nocturnal snake, noted for its sidewinding locomotion. It exhibits an aggressive defensive behavior when threatened, often expanding its body and hissing. This species uses a 'sit-and-wait' hunting strategy, lying camouflaged until a prey approaches. Females are oviparous and show no maternal care after laying eggs.
Photo By jayantdeshpande , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Saw-scaled vipers Species
Echis carinatus carinatus