| Bitis parviocula | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Bitis |
| Species: | B. parviocula |
| Binomial name | |
| Bitis parviocula | |
 | |
Bitis parviocula is avenomousviperspecies found only inEthiopia.[2] It is large with a broad head and spectacular geometric markings. In 1995, the species was known from only three specimens, but additional information has surfaced since then. Little is known about itsnatural history or itsvenom.[7] Nosubspecies are currently recognized.[2]
The first specimen known to science was a road kill on the east side of the Rift Valley in Ethiopia.[8]
Thespecific name,parviocula, meaning "small-eyed", is derived from theLatin wordsparvus, meaning "small", andoculus, meaning "eye".[9]
Of the first three specimens, the maximum recorded total length (body + tail) was 75.2 cm (29.6 in),[4] but it is now known to reach a total length of at least 130 cm (51 in).[7] The head is long, flat, triangular and covered with small, stronglykeeled scales. The nostrils are large and set well forward. The head is distinct from the thin neck. The body is cylindrical with a slight vertebral ridge, while the tail is short. Thedorsal scales are keeled and are arranged in 37–39 rows at midbody.[4]
The color pattern consists of a light brown to dark brown ground color, overlaid with a series of black hexagons or diamonds that run down the center of the back. The black hexagons may have paler crossbars, while being separated from each other by a chain of yellow butterfly shapes. A series of black triangular or subtriangular spots, each with a white center, run down the upper flanks. The lower flanks have a series of greenish-gray triangles, pointing upwards, with yellow edges, especially the tips. The flanks between these triangles are a mottled green color. The head is brown with a dark triangle between the eyes and a dark hammer shape just behind it that extends onto the nape of the neck. The iris is brown. The side of the head is dark, but with a pale stripe that runs from the eye down to the labials. Theupper labial scales are white. The chin and throat are white with black speckling. The belly is greenish-gray and may be clear, or with black speckling.[4]
Known from only five localities inEthiopia, it is found on both sides of theRift Valley, both in theBale Mountains[10] to the east and betweenBonga andJimma to the west.[6] It has been collected at altitudes of 1,700–2,800 metres (5,600–9,200 ft).[7]
Thetype locality is given as "Doki River bridge (8°20′N35°56′E / 8.333°N 35.933°E /8.333; 35.933),bei Yambo (=Yembo),an der Straße vonMetu nach Bedelle, Provinz Illubabor, SW-Äthiopien" [Ethiopia].[1][4]
Of the three specimens known in 1995, two were found inforested areas west of theRift Valley and one was found ingrassland to the east. Of the two western specimens, one was caught in a forest clearing in an old coffeeplantation, while the other was found in a forest town, hiding in grass of the grounds of abrewery. The eastern specimen was found in high grassland near a rockystream.[3][4]
Mostly unknown, its behavior is assumed to beterrestrial andnocturnal. In 1995, the only living specimen known was less irritable than the typical puff adder (B. arietans) and was not inclined to strike. However, it hissed when teased and struggled "furiously" when restrained, suggesting its temperament may be similar to that of the Gaboon viper (B. gabonica).[4] There has been reproduction of these snakes in captivity.[11]
Until recently, thetoxicity and composition of the venom essentially was unknown.[12] It is assumed to cause at least some of the bites reported in the densely populated regions where it occurs. The local people consider it very dangerous.[3] The first US envenomation of a person was in March 2009 when a herpetologist from Texas was bitten in the finger by a young, captiveB. parviocula, which he survived. It is the only well-documented bite report of this snake. The venom of this species can be neutralized by SAIMRantivenom.[12]
