Nikolsky's Viper

Nikolsky's Viper is a viper closely allied to the widespread Common European Adder, occupying forest-steppe transition zones in Ukraine and southwestern Russia. It is often noted for its typically darker, sometimes nearly black, coloration compared to its more widespread relative.

Taxonomic treatment of this species has varied, with some authorities treating it as a subspecies of the Common Adder rather than a full species.

• Often uniformly dark gray, brown, or nearly black dorsal coloration
• Zigzag pattern may be faint or obscured by dark pigmentation
• Stocky body with a distinct triangular head
• Vertically elliptical pupils
• Keeled scales
• Distinguished from the Common Adder mainly by darker coloration and specific forest-steppe range

Inhabits forest-steppe transition zones, woodland edges, and open meadows across Ukraine and southwestern Russia.

Diurnal to crepuscular, most active during moderate temperatures. Feeds on small rodents, lizards, and amphibians. Viviparous, giving birth to live young in late summer to early autumn.