Horned desert viper

Scientific Name: Cerastes cerastes

Nick Name:

Size: Average 45 centimeters, maximum 75 centimeters.

Appearance: Pale buff color with obscure markings and a sharp spine (scale) over each eye.

Type of Venom: Its venom is hemotoxic, causing severe damage to blood cells and tissue.

Nature: As with all true vipers that live in the desert, it finds refuge by burrowing in the heat of the day, coming out at night to feed.

Distribution: Arabian Peninsula, Africa, Iran, and Iraq.

Habitat: Only found in very arid places within its range.

Feeds on:

Side Line:

• It is difficult to detect when it is buried; therefore, many bites result from the snake being accidentally stepped on.