Photo by Dr.
Zoltan Takacs of Columbia University
Vipera chlorechis
Pel, 1851
Vipera chloroechis
Schlegel, 1855
Vipera (Echis)
chloroechis Jan, 1859
Tox[icoa].
chloroëchis
Cope, 1860
Vipera chlorocehis
Cope, 1862
E[chis].
chlorechis
Jan, 1863
Atheris polylepis
Peters, 1864
Atheris chloroëchis
Peters, 1864
Atheris chlorechis
Boulenger, 1896
Atheris chloraechis Cansdale,
1961
Atheris squamiger
chloroechis Harding &
Welch, 1980
Atheris chlorechis
Broadley, 1996
The name chlorechis
is derived from the Greek khloros
[green] and ekhis
[viper or adder].
West African Bush Viper;
Green Bush Viper
Atheris chlorechis
is found in the forests of West Africa
from Guinea east to Gabon.
This slender bush viper is relatively
large. Adults are often 45-60 cm (18-24
inches). Some specimens may reach 70 cm
(28 inches). The keeled body scales are
smaller than other members of the genus
giving it a smoother appearance. Its tail
is long and strongly prehensile with a
yellow tip. Not nearly as variable as
other species, western bush vipers are
light green with a pale green or bluish
venter and pale yellowish paired dorsal
spots. The 6-7 1/2 inch (15-19 cm) babies
may be tan or light brown and change to
yellowish green with dark green markings
within 24 hours (Freed, 1986, Spawls &
Branch, 1995). Others have reported neonates
being solid yellow with light tan markings
down the back (Morgan, pers. comm.). These
babies developed small greenish blotches
at about two months of age but remained
predominately yellow. Yet another keeper
had neonates that were dark blue with
black markings.
This species is primarily arboreal and
is often found in low bushes and shrubs
in rainforest at altitudes of up to 560
meters.
