Vipera transcaucasiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vipera transcaucasiana |
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Vipera
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transcaucasiana
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The Vipera transcaucasiana is a special type of venomous viper. It is sometimes called the Transcaucasian sand viper or Armenian sand viper. This snake is found only in certain areas of Georgia and northern Turkey.
Contents
What Does This Snake Look Like?
This snake can grow up to about 75 centimeters (30 inches) long, but most are a bit smaller.
Head and Face Features
The Vipera transcaucasiana has a unique "horn" on its nose. This horn is covered with 9 to 17 small scales. It also has two large scales above its eyes. The rest of its head is covered with small, bumpy scales. Its nostril, which is its nose opening, is inside one large scale. There are 11 to 12 scales around its eyes.
Body and Scale Patterns
Around the middle of its body, this snake has 21 rows of scales that feel rough or "keeled." The scales closest to its belly are smoother. It has 148 to 160 belly scales and 32 to 40 pairs of scales under its tail. The scale covering its vent (where waste leaves the body) is a single scale.
Colors and Markings
The snake's main color can be light gray, ash gray, silver gray, or grayish white. It has narrow dark bands across its back. The top of its head and its nose horn usually do not have dark spots. Sometimes, there is a faint V-shape on the back of its head. The snake's eyes are golden or coppery. Young snakes have similar colors and patterns to the adults.
Where Does This Snake Live?
The Vipera transcaucasiana is found only in certain parts of Georgia and northern Turkey. It is important to know that this snake does not live in countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Iran, even though some older books might say it does.
How Scientists Classify This Snake
Some scientists believe that Vipera transcaucasiana should be considered its own separate species (a distinct type of animal). This is because its genetic makeup is quite different from other similar snakes. For example, its genetic differences are even larger than those between other snake species like V. aspis and V. latastei.
