Nikolsky's viper
A species of Palaearctic vipers Scientific name : Vipera nikolskii Genus : Palaearctic vipers
Nikolsky's viper, A species of Palaearctic vipers
Scientific name: Vipera nikolskii
Genus: Palaearctic vipers
Content
Description General Info
Photo By aksbergdarya , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Vipera nikolskii is a venomous viper species endemic to Ukraine, eastern Romania, and southwestern Russia. No subspecies are currently recognized.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Nikolsky's viper primarily feeds on small mammals, especially rodents. Notably, its diet also includes amphibians and birds, exhibiting opportunistic feeding behavior.
Appearance
Nikolsky's viper is a moderately sized venomous snake with a slim, elongated body covered in smooth, scaly skin. Its overall coloration is light brown to grey, often with dark blotches forming a zig-zag pattern along its dorsal side. The head is triangular and distinct from the neck. The eyes are relatively large with elliptical pupils. Males are typically lesser in size than females and show brighter coloration.
Behavior
Nikolsky's viper exhibits a solitary nature, tending to be most active at dawn and dusk when hunting for rodents and amphibians. Using swift, striking movements, it effectively subdues prey. Nikolsky's viper prefers rocky habitats, making unique use of ridges for ambush tactics. It employs chemical pheromones to demarcate its territory while uniformly avoiding conflicts when possible.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Palaearctic vipers Species
Nikolsky's viper 
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