Sahara Horned Viper
Cerastes cerastes
A desert-dwelling viper famous for the small horn-like projections above its eyes, well camouflaged against sand.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.85 m (1.3-2.8 ft)
- Range
- North Africa and parts of the Middle East
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Overview
The Sahara Horned Viper is a desert specialist known for the distinctive raised scale above each eye that resembles a small horn. Its sandy coloration provides excellent camouflage in arid environments.
It moves using a distinctive sidewinding motion across loose sand and often buries itself to ambush passing prey.
How to identify it
- Sandy yellow, tan, or gray coloration with faint darker blotches
- Small horn-like scale above each eye (not present in all individuals)
- Broad, triangular head distinct from a narrow neck
- Vertically elliptical pupils
- Sidewinding locomotion leaves characteristic J-shaped tracks
Habitat & range
Inhabits sandy and rocky deserts across North Africa and the Middle East, often near dunes and wadis.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and ambush-hunting, feeding on rodents, birds, and lizards. Uses sidewinding to move efficiently on loose sand. Gives birth to live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sahara Horned Viper venomous?
Yes, it is venomous and should be treated with caution.
Do all individuals have horns?
No, the small eye horns are variable and not always present.
How does it move on sand?
It uses a sidewinding motion that leaves distinctive J-shaped tracks.
Where does it live?
It is found in sandy and rocky deserts of North Africa and the Middle East.
Sahara Horned Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Sahara Horned Viper.
