Atractaspis aterrima

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Atractaspis aterrima
Scientific classification
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A. aterrima
Binomial name
Atractaspis aterrima
Günther, 1863

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Atractaspis aterrima, commonly known as the slender burrowing asp or mole viper,[1] is a species of venomous snake in the Atractaspididae family.[2] The specific epithet, aterrima, meaning "blackest", is the superlative form of the Latin adjective ater, meaning "black".[3]

Geographic range

It is endemic to western and central Africa.[4]

Description

It is totally black or dark brown. Adults may reach a total length of Lua error in Module:Convert at line 1851: attempt to index local 'en_value' (a nil value)., with a tail Lua error in Module:Convert at line 1851: attempt to index local 'en_value' (a nil value). long. The dorsal scales are in 19 or 21 rows. Ventrals 251-300; anal entire; subcaudals single (not paired) 18-24. Five upper labials, third and fourth entering the eye, fourth largest. A large temporal, wedged in between the fourth and fifth upper labials. First lower labial in contact with its fellow behind the mental; three lower labials in contact with the chin shields, third extremely large.[5]

References

  1. The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
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  3. Wright, A.H. and A.A. Wright. 1957. Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. Comstock. Ithaca and London. p. 3.
  4. Spawls, S. & Branch, B. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Dubai: Oriental Press, 1995. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.
  5. Boulenger, G.A. 1896. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume III. London. pp. 515-516.
  • Günther, Albert 1863. Third Account of new Species of Snakes in the Collection of the British Museum. Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., Series 3, Volume 12, pp. 348–365.


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