The red adder (Bitis rubida) is a viper species found only in Western Cape Province, South Africa. No subspecies are currently recognised.[3] Like all other vipers, it is venomous.
| Red adder | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Bitis |
| Species: | B. rubida
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| Binomial name | |
| Bitis rubida Branch, 1997
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| Synonyms[2] | |
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Taxonomy edit
Bitis rubida was described as a new species in 1997 by William Roy "Bill" Branch. Prior to that time, specimens of this snake had been identified as belonging to several other species and subspecies of the genus Bitis (see "Synonyms" in "Taxobox"). The type locality given is "Jeep track above Farm Driehoek, Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape Province, South Africa; 32°25'44"S, 19°12'30"E, alt. 1380 m [4,528 ft]; 3219AC."[2]
The common name is "red adder".[4]
Description edit
Maximum recorded total lengths (body + tail) are 41.9 cm (16.5 in) for females and 37.7 cm (14.8 in) for males.[4]
Distribution and habitat edit
Several isolated populations are found in the northern Cape Fold Mountains and inland escarpment in Western Cape Province, South Africa.
References edit
- ^ Maritz, B.; Turner, A.A. (2018). "Bitis rubida". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T22475225A115666792. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22475225A115666792.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ^ a b McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Volume 1. Washington, District of Columbia: Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
- ^ "Bitis rubida". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 26 July 2006.
- ^ a b Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. 359 pp. ISBN 0-89464-877-2.
Further reading edit
- Branch WR. 1997. A new adder (Bitis; Viperidae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. South African Journal of Zoology 32 (2): 37–42.
- Branch, Bill. 2004. Field Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island, Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. (Bitis rubida, p. 117 + Plate 14).
External links edit
- Bitis rubida at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 24 November 2007.
- Bitis rubida image at ARKive, Reptiles. Accessed 2 October 2006.