West african carpet viper
A species of Saw-scaled vipers Scientific name : Echis ocellatus Genus : Saw-scaled vipers
West african carpet viper, A species of Saw-scaled vipers
Scientific name: Echis ocellatus
Genus: Saw-scaled vipers
Content
Description General Info
Description
Echis ocellatus is a venomous viper species endemic to West Africa. No subspecies are currently recognized.
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
West african carpet viper are carnivorous, primarily feeding on smaller vertebrates. They exhibit a sit-and-wait hunting strategy where they ambush their prey, which mainly includes rodents, birds, and other small reptiles.
Appearance
West african carpet viper is a small, slender snake with rough, highly-veined scales. Its primary coloration is a series of distinct, alternating light and dark crossbands, contributing to its nickname 'saw-scaled viper'. Usually total body length does not exceed 90 cms. It has a striking triangular head with a pair of small, forward-facing eyes lending to a fierce countenance. There are no significant visual differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
West african carpet viper is notably nocturnal and solitary. It is a sedentary ambush predator, feeding predominantly on small mammals and birds which it subdues with venom. Peculiar to this species, west african carpet viper utilizes 'sidewinding' locomotion, aiding movement in its arid habitat. While typically docile, west african carpet viper exhibits aggressive posturing when threatened, raising its body in a remarkably distinctive 'S' shape, ready to strike.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Saw-scaled vipers Species
West african carpet viper 
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
