Seoane's Viper

Seoane's viper is a small, relatively mild viperid restricted to the green, temperate corner of northwestern Spain and northern Portugal. It is closely allied with the widespread common European adder and was historically considered a subspecies of it.

It is venomous, and although bites can cause local medical effects, it is regarded as one of the less dangerous European vipers due to its small size and modest venom yield.

• Grayish, brownish, or reddish base color with a dark zigzag or wavy dorsal stripe
• Some individuals show a more reddish or coppery hue, especially females
• Relatively small, stout body
• Vertically elliptical pupils and a somewhat rounded, less angular head than other vipers
• Adults typically 40-60 cm long

Distinguished from the common European adder mainly by range and subtle scalation differences, as the two are closely related.

Prefers cool, humid environments including heathland, meadows, forest edges, hedgerows, and shrubby hillsides. Found from lowland areas up into mountainous terrain across Galicia, Asturias, the Basque Country, and northern Portugal, favoring damper climates than most other Iberian reptiles.

Diurnal, most active during the day, especially in cooler weather typical of its humid range. Basks in open, sunny patches within otherwise shaded habitat. Feeds on small mammals, lizards, and occasionally amphibians. It is ovoviviparous, bearing live young in small litters, typically in late summer.