Echis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Echis |
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| An Indian Saw-scaled Viper, E. carinatus | |
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Echis
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Echis is a group of venomous viper snakes. They are often called "Saw-scaled Vipers" or "Carpet Vipers." You can find them in dry areas of Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. The name "Echis" comes from a Greek word meaning "viper." These snakes are well-known for their bites, which can be very serious. There are currently eight different types, or species, of Echis snakes known.
Contents
What do Saw-scaled Vipers look like?
Saw-scaled Vipers are generally small snakes. Adult snakes usually grow to about 90 cm (36 in) long. Their head is short, wide, and shaped like a pear. They have a short, rounded snout and large eyes.
Where do Saw-scaled Vipers live?
These snakes live in dry places, such as deserts. You can find them across Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. They prefer warm, arid environments.
What do Saw-scaled Vipers eat?
Scientists are still learning exactly what Saw-scaled Vipers eat. However, it is believed they hunt and eat various small creatures. Their diet may include beetles, spiders, scorpions, and centipedes. They also eat other snakes, small mammals, and birds.
How do Saw-scaled Vipers reproduce?
The way Saw-scaled Vipers have babies depends on where they live. Most species found in Africa are oviparous. This means they lay eggs, and the young snakes hatch from these eggs. On the other hand, some species found in India are viviparous. This means they give live birth to their young, just like mammals.
Types of Saw-scaled Vipers
Here are some of the different species of Echis snakes:
- Indian Saw-scaled Viper, E. carinatus
- Palestine Saw-scaled Viper, E. coloratus
- Hughes' Saw-scaled Viper, E. hughesi
- Jogers' Saw-scaled Viper, E. jogeri
- White-bellied Carpet Viper, E. leucogaster
- Cherlin's Saw-scaled Viper, E. megalocephalus
- African Saw-scaled Viper, E. ocellatus
- Egyptian Saw-scaled Viper, E. pyramidum
Images for kids
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Closeup: scales with serrated keels
See also
In Spanish: Echis para niños
