Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Serpentes Scientific name Atheris katangensis Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Order Squamata Family Viperidae Higher classification Bush vipers | |
Similar Bush vipers, Vipers, Snake, Atheris desaixi, Adenorhinos | ||
Atheris katangensis is a venomous viper species endemic to DR Congo, found only in a limited area in the east of the country. No subspecies are currently recognized.
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Description
It attains a maximum total length (body + tail) of only 40 cm (16 in), making this the smallest member of the genus Atheris.
The head is flat, triangular, distinct from the neck, and covered with small keeled scales. The snout is rounded. Midbody there are 24–31 rows of dorsal scales. The tail is short. Males and females have 45–59 and 38–42 subcaudal scales respectively.
The color pattern consists of a purple-brown or yellow-brown ground color, overlaid with paired dorsolateral lines of a contrasting shade. These lines may break into a zigzag pattern and run from head to tail. The belly is yellowish, as is the tip of the tail.
Common names
Shaba bush viper, Katanga Mountain bush viper, Upemba bush viper, Katanga bush viper, Katanga tree viper.
Geographic range
Restricted to Upemba National Park, Shaba Province in eastern DR Congo.
The type locality given is "Mubale-Munte (région du confluent), sous-affluent de la rive droite de la Lufira [alt. 1480], Park National de l'Upemba".
Habitat
Gallery forest along rivers at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,500 meters (about 4,000–5,000 ft).