(European) Nose-horned Viper Vipera ammodytes

European Nose-horned Viper
European Nose-horned Viper
The Nose-horned Viper, also called just Horned Viper and, to distinguish from the Rhinocerous Viper of West Africa, the European Nose-horned Viper, is native to southern Europe (southern Austria through to Turkey) and also parts of Georgia and Syria. It is also called the Long-nosed Viper. Some of the regional subspecies are called Sand Vipers.
European Nose-horned Viper
European Nose-horned Viper
It likes rocky, scrub or sandy habitats. It is highly venomous and grows to just under a metre (some 37 inches). Usual prey is mice.
Long-nosed Viper
Long-nosed Viper male
Long-nosed Viper female with shed skin
The male Horned Viper (above left and centre) has stronger, darker markings than the female (above right), including a darker head.