Lataste's viper
A species of Palaearctic vipers Scientific name : Vipera latastei Genus : Palaearctic vipers
Lataste's viper, A species of Palaearctic vipers
Scientific name: Vipera latastei
Genus: Palaearctic vipers
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Aleuze , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Vipera latastei is a venomous viper species endemic to extreme southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
General Info
Lifespan
12-20 years
Diet
Lataste's viper primarily consumes small mammals, with a preference for mice and shrews. This species also incorporates other creatures into its diet, including lizards, birds, and invertebrates such as insects and earthworms.
Appearance
Lataste's viper is a medium-sized snake with a robust, cylinder-shaped body covered in keeled scales. Bearing a characteristic zigzag pattern along its back, its coloration varies from grey to brown, making it an excellent camouflage artist. Unlike many snakes, it has only a single row of subcaudal scales. There are no significant appearance differences due to gender or age within this species.
Behavior
Lataste's viper is predominantly nocturnal, spending most of the day hiding in rocks or foliage. Hunting with an ambush strategy, it delivers venomous bites to catch its prey. Lataste's viper is not typically social except during mating season where males show aggressive territorial behavior. Its impressive cryptic coloration provides effective camouflage in its arid, rocky habitats.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Palaearctic vipers Species
Lataste's viper 
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