Saharan Sand Viper

Saharan Sand Viper are common in sandy habitats and sand dunes of the Saharan desert into the Arabian Peninsula. The Saharan Sand Viper is a small snake of around 30 cm with a maximum size of around 50 cm. They are nocturnal and actively hunt at night. During the day this snake hides under bushes or buried in the sand. This feature is what generally distinguishes Sahara horned vipers from other species of the genus Cerastes, as Cerastes gasperettii has horns that consist of multiple scales, and Cerastes vipera has its eyes on the top of the head. Prominent brow ridges typically ensue the lack or reduction of these horns.

This species feeds on lizards and geckos that it ambushes from a buried position in the sand, with only the eyes sticking out above the sand. The venom of these snakes is not well known, but causes severe swelling, and nausea. Although no human fatalities have been recorded, bites should be treated at a hospital.