Mole viper or Burrowing viper

Scientific Name: Atracaspis microlepidota

Nick Name: Burrowing Viper

Size: Average 55 centimeters, maximum 75 centimeters

Appearance: Uniformly black or dark brown with a small, narrow head.

Type of Venom:  Its venom is a potent hemotoxin for such a small snake.

Nature:   It has a rather inoffensive disposition; however, it will quickly turn and bite if restrained or touched.

Distribution: Sudan, Ethiopia, Somaliland, Kenya, Tanganyika, Uganda, Cameroon, Niger, Congo, and Urundi.

Habitat: Agricultural areas and arid localities

Feeds on:

Side Line:

• A viper that does not look like one. It is small in size, and its small head does not indicate the presence of venom glands.

• Its fangs are exceptionally long.

• A bite can result even when picking it up behind the head. It is best to leave this snake alone.