Levant Viper
Macrovipera lebetina obtusa
A large, robust viper subspecies found across the Levant and Caucasus, closely related to the widespread Blunt-Nosed Viper.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1.0-1.5 m (3.3-5 ft)
- Range
- Levant, Caucasus, and parts of the Middle East
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Overview
The Levant Viper is a regional form of the Blunt-Nosed Viper complex found across the Levant, the Caucasus, and adjoining parts of the Middle East. It shares the large size and heavy build characteristic of the Macrovipera lebetina group.
Like its close relatives, it is a highly venomous species considered medically significant within its range, particularly where it occurs near agricultural land and rural settlements.
How to identify it
- Large, heavy body with strongly keeled scales
- Gray, tan, or olive background with dark, often paired dorsal blotches
- Broad head with a rounded, blunt snout
- Vertical elliptical pupils
- Adults commonly reach 1.0-1.5 m
Habitat & range
Found in rocky terrain, scrubland, and agricultural margins across the Levant, the Caucasus region, and parts of the Middle East, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular in warm months, more diurnal in cooler seasons. Feeds on rodents, birds, and lizards, ambushing prey from concealment. Reproduction is generally oviparous, with females laying clutches of eggs in sheltered ground.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Levant Viper dangerous?
Yes, it is a highly venomous species considered medically significant within its range.
How is the Levant Viper related to the Blunt-Nosed Viper?
It is a regional form within the Blunt-Nosed Viper (Macrovipera lebetina) complex.
Where is the Levant Viper found?
Across the Levant, the Caucasus, and parts of the Middle East.
How big does the Levant Viper get?
Adults typically reach 1.0-1.5 m (3.3-5 ft).
Levant Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Levant Viper.
