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Proatheris superciliaris (Floodplain viper, Lowland swamp
viper, Eyebrow viper)
Moerasadder [Afrikaans]
Life >
Eukaryotes
>
Opisthokonta >
Metazoa
(animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia >
Chordata >
Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates) > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) >
Teleostomi (teleost fish) > Osteichthyes (bony fish) > Class:
Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish) > Stegocephalia (terrestrial vertebrates) >
Tetrapoda
(four-legged vertebrates) > Reptiliomorpha > Amniota > Squamata >
Serpentes (snakes) > Family:
Viperidae
Identification
Can be identified by its grey brown or reddish brown
colouration, the 3 rows of brown spots that run the length of its body, the
yellow lines between the rows of spots, a yellow or orange tipped tail, keeled
(rough) scales and its habit of coiling into a C-shape when threatened. It has
an average length of 45 cm but may reach up to 60 cm.
Distribution and habitat
This snake is only found in Central Mozambique and it
favoured habitat includes the following; grasslands in close proximity to swamps
and floodplains in lowland forest and moist savanna (in these in environments it
is always found in close proximity to rodent burrows).
Food
Feeds on
frogs
(particularly
Reed frogs),
toads and small
rodents
(e.g.
rats and
mice).
Predators, parasites and disease
Unknown
Reproduction
Viviparous (has live young), gives birth to between 3 and
16 young in summer.
Longevity
This viper species has an average lifespan of 10 years.
Medical importance
This snakes' venom has not been well studied but is
possibly haemotoxic and could be potentially dangerous to humans. At present no
antivenom is available.
Links
References
-
Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern
Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
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Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa.
Struik Publishing, Cape Town.
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