Oman saw-scaled viper
A species of Saw-scaled vipers Scientific name : Echis omanensis Genus : Saw-scaled vipers
Oman saw-scaled viper, A species of Saw-scaled vipers
Scientific name: Echis omanensis
Genus: Saw-scaled vipers
Content
Description General Info
Photo By rbrausse , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Echis omanensis, commonly known as the Oman saw-scaled viper, is a species of venomous viper.
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Oman saw-scaled viper is a carnivorous species that significantly relies on small mammals, birds, and lizards for sustenance. Preferring to ambush its prey, it exerts venomous strikes, digesting prey entirely once consumed.
Appearance
Oman saw-scaled viper is a relatively small, slender snake with rough, keeled scales. Its body coloration varies from pale cream to reddish-brown, patterned with darker brown or black crossbands. Sporting a distinct V-shape on the top of its head, which can sometimes be split into two marks, oman saw-scaled viper is often recognized by its short, erect tail spikes. There are no significant differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Oman saw-scaled viper is a nocturnal, solitary viper, active primarily in the cool night hours. Known for its aggressive defense strategy, it produces a distinctive 'sizzling' sound by rubbing scales together as a warning to potential predators. Oman saw-scaled viper is an ambush predator employing a 'sit-and-wait' strategy to capture prey like small rodents and birds.
Population
Stable
Photo By rbrausse , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Saw-scaled vipers Species
Oman saw-scaled viper