Atractaspis
| Atractaspis | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Atractaspis engaddensis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Atractaspididae |
| Subfamily: | Atractaspidinae |
| Genus: |
Atractaspis A. Smith, 1849 |
Atractaspis is a genus of venomous snakes found in Africa. Currently, 15 species are recognized by ITIS. Others recognize 19 species. 16 are listed here.
Burrowing vipers, burrowing asps, mole vipers, stiletto snakes, side-stabbing snakes.
Found mostly in subsaharan Africa, with a limited distribution in the Jordan valley in Palestine and the Arabian Peninsula.
Venom fangs enormously developed; a few teeth on the palatines, none on the pterygoids; mandibles edentulous anteriorly, with 2 or 3 very small teeth in the middle of the dentary bone. Postfrontal bone absent. Head small, not distinct from neck, covered with large symmetrical shields; nostril between 2 nasals; no loreal; eye minute, with round pupil. Body cylindrical; dorsal scales smooth, without apical pits, in 17 to 37 rows; ventrals rounded. Tail short; subcaudals either single or in two rows.
*) Not including the nominate subspecies.
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Wikipedia