Atheris desaixi

Ashe, 1968

Mount Kenya Bush Viper

Photo by Dr. Zoltan Takacs of Columbia University

 

Synonyms

none

Etymology

The species name honors Mr. Frank De Saix, a Peace Corps volunteer who collected the first specimen of this species.

Other Common Names

Desaix's Bush Viper

Distribution

This species is only found in isolated populations near Mount Kenya.

Description

Mount Kenya bush vipers are relatively large and heavy bodied. They may reach 28 inches (71 cm). Their ground color is usually dark - greenish black to greyish black with yellow or gold tipped scales creating yellow speckling or chain like markings. Younger animals have a lighter olive coloration with less tipping. Venter is yellowish anteriorally becoming purple black posteriorally. Tail tip is yellow. Juveniles are yellowish with a light tail tip.

Habitat and Behavior

Occurs in evergreen forest at an altitude of 1600 meters. Most often found in trees and bushes about 1.5 to 3 meters from the ground. Disturbed specimens may go into a stridulatory threat display similar to Echis - with the serrated keels of the lower lateral scales rubbing against each other as the body coils are moved past each other.