Egyptian Saw-Scaled Viper
Echis pyramidum
A small viper known for producing a rasping sound by rubbing its serrated scales together.
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.85 m (1.3-2.8 ft)
- Range
- Northeast Africa and parts of the Middle East
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Overview
The Egyptian Saw-Scaled Viper is a member of the Echis genus, found across a wide range.
Its common display involves coiling into a figure-eight shape and rubbing its rough, keeled scales together to produce a distinct hissing or sizzling sound.
How to identify it
- Sandy brown to grayish body with pale, irregular blotches
- Strongly keeled, serrated lateral scales used for sound production
- Small, pear-shaped head distinct from neck
- Vertically elliptical pupils
- Figure-eight coiling posture with audible scale-rubbing
Habitat & range
Found in arid and semi-arid habitats, including deserts, savanna, and rocky terrain across northeast Africa and the Middle East.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and terrestrial, feeding on rodents, lizards, and arthropods. Produces a rasping sound when threatened. Lays eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the saw-scaled viper?
It rubs specialized serrated scales together to make a rasping sound as a warning.
What does it eat?
It preys on rodents, lizards, and various arthropods.
Where is it found?
It occurs across northeast Africa and into parts of the Middle East.
Egyptian Saw-Scaled Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Egyptian Saw-Scaled Viper.
