Spiny Bush Vipers, also known as Hairy Bush Vipers or Atheris Hispida, are a colorful yet deadly snake. With its pointy scales and scary appearance, the viper strikes fear in anyone who crosses its path.
Not only are Spiny Bush Vipers scary, but they are also one of the most fascinating snakes on earth. In this article, we’ll delve into what makes them so unique and explore their fascinating world.
A Dazzling Display
One of the first things that stands out with these vipers is their bright colors. They can be found in various hues of bright green, yellow, brown, and even blue!
Throughout their lives, Spiny Bush Vipers can change color. Even though they might be born with a yellowish-orange color, they could grow up to become brown or green.
But what exactly causes these scales to be so colorful? It all has to do with camouflaging into their surroundings. By blending into the environment, the snake can avoid predators while being a more sneaky hunter. The snake’s habitat and genetics determine its color.
A Terrifying Ambush Predator
Snakes, especially vipers, are some of the most chilling reptiles. They are known for their terrifying ambush hunting technique, which is a result of years of evolution.
Spiny Bush Vipers are no different. They are vipers with lots of patience. As they curl up into an S-shape and wait for prey to approach, they ready themselves for an unexpected attack: when the time is right, the viper springs forward and takes the prey by surprise.
Even more frightening is their use of their retractable hypodermic fangs. These fangs are usually folded up against the roof of the mouth, except when the snake is ready to strike. The snake uses its fangs to inject deadly venom into the prey. Even a single bite with this venom is enough to end a human’s life.
Spiny Bush Vipers feed on frogs, lizards, and birds. They hunt at night and use their excellent sense of smell to locate their prey.
A Home In The Treetops
This species of snake can be found in Central and East Africa’s rainforests, especially in countries such as Congo, Kenya, and Uganda.
They spend most of their lives in the trees and use their colorful scales to blend into the environment. This type of habitat is known as an arboreal habitat.
A Fascinating Creature: 5 Fun Facts
No article would be complete without a fun list of facts to leave you in shock about these magnificent vipers. Below are five fun facts about the Spiny Bush Viper that might surprise you!
- Their prehensile tail allows them to hang upside down on branches. This feature evolved over the years to help them survive and hunt in their habitat uptop trees.
- Males can grow up to 29 inches or just shy of 74 centimeters. Meanwhile, females are slightly smaller at 23 inches or approximately 58 centimeters.
- Spiny Bush Vipers are a very solitary species. Because of this, not much is known about their population. It is difficult to determine whether they are endangered or not.
- Their keeled scales are very long, which gives them a spiny appearance. These scales not only look frightening, but also help the viper blend into its surroundings.
- Spiny Bush Vipers have very sharp senses. With excellent smell and eyesight, as well as feeling vibrations, they can avoid predators while hunting for prey.
The Spiny Bush Viper is an intimidating species of snake that strikes fear into any creature that encounters it. With its dazzling array of colors and deadly hunting methods, Spiny Bush Vipers are one of the most unique and fascinating animals in nature.