Photo by Bill Love - BLUE CHAMELEON VENTURES

 

Synonyms

Atheris ceratophora  Werner, 1895
Atheris ceratophorus  Boulenger, 1896
Atheris ceratophora  Broadley, 1996

Etymology

The name ceratophora refers to the horn-like scales above the eyes. It is derived from the Greek cerato-  (a variation of kerato-) [horn] and -phoros  [bearing].

Other Common Names

Usambara Bush Viper; Eyelash Bush Viper

Distribution

The name "Usambara Bush Viper" refers to the Usambara mountains in Tanzania where it is found. It is also found in the Udzungwa mountains and is may also occur in the Uluguru Mountains as well. Both of these mountains are also in Tanzania.

Description

This is a small bush viper with a maximum length of 21 inches (54 cm). It is the only bush viper with one to three horn like scales above each eye. This species is highly variable in color. While many specimens are shades of yellow, green, or olive with irregular dark crossbars or spots, some are patternless greenish or black. Ventral color is also variable and may or may not be speckled with black. There is a high contrast yellow and black morph that is referred to as 'tiger phase' by the herpetocultural community. Other color morphs popular in herpetoculture are patternless sulfur yellow or olive green.

Habitat and Behavior

Occurs in montane forest and is often found on or near the ground. Specimens from the Muzambai Forest Reserve in the western Usambaras were predominately found on the ground while some were resting on stumps 1-1.5 m above the ground. Residents of the Usambara region have reported finding this species in grass or low bushes. This species is found at an elevation of about 1400 m. It is likely nocturnal or crepuscular. Spawls and Branch (1995) report a feeding record of a small reed frog (Barbour & Loveridge, 1928) and suggest that amphibians are the primary diet. Emmrich (1997) reported captives eating frogs, geckos, nestling birds, and small rodents. Captive specimens are known to accept young mice.