What is name of desert snake?
Cerastes is a family of venomous desert snakes belonging to the Viperidae family of snakes. The horned viper (C. cerastes), which normally has a spinelike scale above each eye, and the normal, or Sahara, sand viper (C. Vipera), which does not have these scales, are the two species.
How has the horned viper adapted to the desert?
Special anatomical, physiological or behavioraladaptations: The “horns” on this viper may help to protect its eyes from injury or may simply contribute to the snake’s camouflage. The horned desert viper can burrow quickly into the sand by rapid sideways movements of its body, leaving only the head and eyes visible.
Where do Cerastes live?
desert
cerastes inhabits a variety of habitats within the desert, including rock hills, sandy deserts, and wadis. Members of this species can sometimes be found in dunes, and are rarely found on rock pavement and gravel plains.
Who eats desert horned viper?
Main predators of horned vipers are monitors, honey badgers and wild and feral cats. When horned viper is faced with danger, it curls the body and produces rasping sound by rubbing keeled scales together.
Are there vipers in the desert?
Desert Horn Viper Facts. Desert horned vipers (Cerastes cerastes) are abundant and easily recognizable across their Middle Eastern and northern African desert habitats. These large venomous snakes can deliver a potent and sometimes fatal bite.
What snake hides in sand?
sidewinder
The sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes) is a rattlesnake. This pit viper (subfamily Crotalinae) has small horns above each eye, possibly to keep sand from covering the eyes when the snake is buried.
What color is a desert snake?
In most parts of the Sonoran Desert, the common kingsnake is a dark brown to blackish snake with narrow bands of yellow or white.
What does Cerastes mean in Greek?
having horns
The cerastes (Greek: κεράστης, transliteration: kerastēs, meaning “having horns”) is a creature of Greek legend, a serpent that is incredibly flexible—so much so that it is said to have no spine. Cerastae can have either two large ram-like horns or two pairs of smaller horns.
Are there any snakes in the Sahara desert?
The desert horned viper can be found in the SAHARA desert. It is the most commonly found snake in North Africa. This species dwells in sandy habitats, and prefer temperatures that range around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The sandy terrain of the desert provides camouflage while hunting prey.
How long can the Horned Viper grow to?
These animals are not on the list of endangered species. Interesting Horned viper Facts: Horned viper can reach 12 to 24 inches in length. Females are larger than males.