Bitis arietans somalica

The Bitis arietans somalica, also known as the Somali puff adder^[2] or Abeeso in Somali, is a highly venomous viper subspecies^[3] found only in Somalia, eastern Ethiopia, and northern Kenya.^[4]

Bitis arietans somalica
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Viperidae
Genus:	Bitis
Species:	B. arietans
Subspecies:	B. a. somalica
Trinomial name
Bitis arietans somalica Parker, 1949
Synonyms[1]
Bitis lachesis somalica Parker, 1949 Bitis arietans somalica — Loveridge, 1957

Description

It is distinguished from B. a. arietans by its keeled subcaudals.^[2] 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 1,905 mm (75.0 in).^[4]

Geographic range

This snake is found in northeastern Kenya, eastern Ethiopia and Somalia (including Coiama Island).^[4] The type locality given is "Bohodle, 2100 ft." (Bohodle, 640 m).^[1]