HORNED DESERT VIPER
Cerastes cerastes
DISTRIBUTION: Through much of North Africa and well into the Sahara , to the Middle Est.
A snake of shifting sands that moves by “side winding”.
DESCRIPTION: Average length is about 60cm (2ft). The colour of the snake generally matches the sand surface in the region an individual occurs, varying between pink and yellow, with regular blotching on the back and heavily keeled scales. The most remarkable features are the long horns over the eye that allow sand to accumulate while keeping the eye velar of cover as the snake waits in ambush.
DISTRIBUTION: Through much of North Africa and well into the HABITAT: This snake avoids the extremes of desert temperatures by burying itself along the length of its body with rhythmic muscle contractions, then waits for suitable prey to pass by.
FOOD: Venomous, feeding on desert rodents and lizards.
BREEDING: Lays a clutch of eggs in disused burrow or under stones.
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