Egyptian Saw-Scaled Viper
Echis pyramidum
A small but highly dangerous viper known for producing a rasping warning sound by rubbing its serrated scales together.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- 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 notorious Echis genus, responsible for a large number of snakebite incidents across its range. Despite its modest size, it possesses highly potent, hemotoxic venom.
Its common defensive 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 defensive 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. Highly defensive when threatened, producing a rasping sound as a warning. 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.
Is it dangerous?
Yes, it is highly venomous and responsible for many snakebite cases in its range.
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.
