Spiny Bush Viper (Atheris Hispida)

Atheris hispida is a venomous viper species found in Central Africa. Known for its scales that give it a spikey appearance. No subspecies are currently known. This is a relativeley small species reaching a maximum of 73cm.The head has a short snout, more in males than in females. The eyes are pretty large and surrounded by 9-16 scales.This viper is capable of climbing reeds and stalks, it is often found basking on top of flowers leaves.It is mostly nocturnal.The spiny bush viper feeds on small mammals, frogs, lizards and sometimes birds. It sometimes hunts for mammalian prey on the ground.