Spiny Bush Viper
Atheris hispida
A distinctive arboreal viper covered in long, spine-tipped scales that create a shaggy, thorny appearance.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.7 m (20-28 in)
- Range
- Central African rainforests, particularly the eastern DRC, Uganda, and Rwanda
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The Spiny Bush Viper is renowned for its unusual scalation, with each scale drawn out into a long, upturned spine, giving the entire body a bristly, thorn-covered look. It shares its scientific name and identity with the Rough-Scaled Bush Viper, another common name for the same species.
This arboreal viper inhabits humid forests of Central Africa, where it relies on stillness and camouflage to ambush prey among mossy branches.
How to identify it
- Olive-brown to grayish-green base color
- Long, pointed, keeled scales projecting outward over the entire body
- Gives an overall bristly, spiky texture unlike any other viper
- Broad head with vertical pupils
- Prehensile tail for gripping vegetation
- Unmistakable due to the extreme scale elongation
Habitat & range
Inhabits humid lowland to montane rainforest in Central Africa, particularly the eastern Congo Basin, Uganda, and Rwanda. Almost exclusively arboreal, found in shrubs and low tree branches.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and sedentary, relying on camouflage rather than active movement. Preys on frogs, lizards, and small mammals via ambush. Live-bearing, with modest litter sizes.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the Spiny Bush Viper?
Its scales are drawn into long spine-like points, giving the snake a bristly, thorny texture.
Is the Spiny Bush Viper the same as the Rough-Scaled Bush Viper?
Yes, both names refer to Atheris hispida.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous viper.
Where does it live?
It is found in Central African rainforests, especially in the eastern Congo Basin region.
Spiny Bush Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Spiny Bush Viper.
