The Bitis arietans somalica, also known as the Somali puff adderMallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. 359 pp. . or Abeeso in Somali, is a highly venomous viper subspecies found only in Somalia, eastern Ethiopia, and northern Kenya.Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Ralph Curtis Books. Dubai: Oriental Press. 192 pp. .
Description It is distinguished from B. a. arietans by its keeled subcaudals. Normally, B. arietans grows to a total length (body and tail) around 800–900 mm (about 32-36 in). In northern Kenya, Somalia, and though, they grow unusually large, reaching total lengths up to .
Geographic range This snake is found in northeastern Kenya, eastern Ethiopia and Somalia (including Coiama Island). The type locality given is "Bohodle, 2100 ft." (Bohodle, 640 m).
References
Further reading Parker HW. 1949. The Snakes of Somalia and the Sokotra Islands. Zoologische Verhandelingen 6: 1-115. ("Bitis lachesis somalica subsp. nov.", pp. 101–105 + figure.)
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