Proatheris superciliaris

(Peters, 1854)

Lowland Viper

Photo by Bill Love - BLUE CHAMELEON VENTURES

Synonyms

Vipera superciliaris  (not Laurenti 1768) Peters, 1854
Bitis superciliaris  (part, not Gray 1842) Kramer, 1961
Atheris superciliaris  (part, not Cope 1862) Marx & Rabb, 1965
Proatheris superciliaris  Broadley, 1996

Etymology

The species name refers to the large supraocular shields found in this snake, but not in other Atherini. It is derived from the Latin super- [over, above] and cilium [eyelid]. The genus name is derived from Pro- (Latin=before) atheris.

Other Common Names 

Lowland Swamp Viper; Swamp Viper; Peter's Viper; Eyebrow Viper; Flood-Plain Viper

Distribution

This species inhabits grasslands near swamps and floodplains from southern Tanzania at the northern end of Lake Malawi through Malawi to near Beira, Mozambique.

Description

This species is characterized by a pair of large supraocular shields. It is a heavy bodied viper with a greyish brown dorsum with three rows of dark spots separated by yellowish bars that form a broken lateral line on either side of the body. The elongated head has three blackish chevrons. Venter is whitish with dark blotches, underside of tail is orange or yellow. Adult size is 16-24 inches (40-60 cm); males significantly smaller than females.

Habitat and Behavior

This bush viper relative is completely terrestrial and inhabits marshes, floodplains, and grasslands bordering swamps. It likely feeds primarily on reed frogs and other small amphibians, but may also eat small rodents.