Hungarian meadow viper
A species of Palaearctic vipers, Also known as Orsini's viper Scientific name : Vipera ursinii Genus : Palaearctic vipers
Hungarian meadow viper, A species of Palaearctic vipers
Also known as:
Orsini's viper
Scientific name: Vipera ursinii
Genus: Palaearctic vipers
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Ryzhkov Sergey , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Vipera ursinii is a venomous viper and a very widespread species, found from southeastern France all the way to China (Xinjiang). No subspecies are currently recognized.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Hungarian meadow viper predominantly feeds on small rodents and lizards. Its diet also includes large insects, which are chased and swiftly killed by its corrosive venom. The intake variation corresponds to seasonal changes in prey availability.
Appearance
Hungarian meadow viper is a small, slender snake, reaching 60-75 cm in length. Its coarse scales showcase a grey-brown to dark grey background color with a zigzag pattern that runs along its back. The head is broad and flat with kite-shaped markings. The young exhibit brighter colors than adults. Notably, no significant differences in appearance are observed due to gender or subspecies.
Behavior
Hungarian meadow viper is a relatively inactive snake, exhibiting a sit-and-wait hunting approach. Primarily solitary unless mating, it displays minimal territorial behavior and tends not to aggressively defend its space. Hungarian meadow viper utilizes cryptic coloration to blend with its habitat for protection, relying on this rather than active evasion or confrontation.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Ryzhkov Sergey , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Palaearctic vipers Species
Hungarian meadow viper