What do saw scaled vipers look like?

They are characterized by a stout body with a pear-shaped head that is distinct from the neck, vertically elliptical pupils, rough and strongly keeled scales, and a short thin tail. On both sides of the body are several rows of obliquely arranged serrated scales.

How venomous Are saw scaled vipers?

Echis carinatus (Saw scaled viper) is a venomous snake found in the desert regions of Iran. The venom of E. carinatus affects the blood circulation. This venom is very toxic causing severe tissue and organ damage.

Is the saw scaled viper aggressive?

But the saw-scaled viper is a rare exception. It’s aggressive and hard to spot. It’s common to parts of the world that are densely populated by humans. And it has a potent venom.

How do I identify a scaled viper?

Saw scaled Viper & Russell’s Viper Both of these snakes can be identified by the small scales on their triangular heads, compared with the larger scales (head-shields) on the heads of other snakes. Another thing to look for is the bold and distinctive diamond pattern found on the bodies of both these snakes.

What kind of venom does a saw scaled viper have?

Saw-scaled vipers are small, but their irritability, aggressive nature, and lethal venom make them very dangerous. When alarmed, saw-scaled vipers will move slowly with the body looped into S-shaped folds. The oblique scales are rubbed against each other to produce a hissing sound, which is a defensive alarm used to warn potential predators.

Where does the saw scaled viper live in the world?

Saw-scaled viper, (genus Echis ), any of eight species of small venomous snakes (family Viperidae) that inhabit arid regions and dry savannas north of the Equator across Africa, Arabia, and southwestern Asia to India and Sri Lanka.

How does a saw-scaled viper make a hissing sound?

When alarmed, saw-scaled vipers will move slowly with the body looped into S-shaped folds. The oblique scales are rubbed against each other to produce a hissing sound, which is a defensive alarm used to warn potential predators. These snakes are, however, quick to strike, and mortality rates for those bitten are high.

What kind of food does a saw scaled viper eat?

Saw-scaled viper. Saw-scaled vipers move by sidewinding locomotion ( see sidewinders ). They are nocturnal, coming out at twilight to hunt for food, which includes mammals, birds, snakes, lizards, amphibians, and invertebrates such as scorpions and centipedes. Egg-laying species, producing up to 23 eggs per female, reside in northern Africa,…