Reptiles · Squamata · Viperidae

Nose-horned Viper

Vipera ammodytes

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The nose-horned viper, sand viper or long-nosed viper is a species of snake of the family Viperidae. It is found in northern Italy, in the Balkans and in places in the Middle East. It is considered the most dangerous of the venomous vipers of Europe, given its size, long fangs and highly toxic venom. Its scientific name comes from the Greek ammos, "sand", and dutes, "digger", which is not the best description for an animal that in fact prefers to live among rocks. Five subspecies are currently recognised.

Weight

220 g on average

Size

50 cm – 95 cm

Lifespan

22 years

Diet

Carnivore

Feeds mainly on other animals.

Activity

Crepuscular

Active above all at dawn and dusk.

Social structure

Solitary

Lives and hunts alone, joining others only to breed.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

Temperate forestMountainGrasslandCarnivore Crepuscular Solitary Reptile Temperate forest Mountain Grassland

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Fun facts

It is the most venomous snake in Europe, with a venom considerably more potent than that of the asp viper or Seoane's viper, although its shy nature means serious bites are uncommon.
The horn on its snout is soft and flexible, formed of scales over a fleshy base, and its function is still unclear: it appears to be neither defensive nor sensory.
Its venom has been used in biomedical research for decades, and compounds isolated from it have contributed to the development of anticoagulant drugs.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (reptile)
Habitat & environment: Sunny stony slopes, scrub and warm rocky outcrops of the Balkans and Asia Minor
Sexual maturity: 4 years
Gestation / incubation: 4 months of gestation
Litter / clutch size: 8 live young

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vipera_ammodytes