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Usambara Eyelash Viper
Atheris ceratophora
The smallest known species of Atheris, this venomous viper is endemic to the Tanzanian mountains and distinguished by remarkable, horn-like eyelash scales above its eyes.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Viperidae
Subfamily:Viperinae
Genus:Atheris
Species:Atheris ceratophora
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
60 - 80 %
Day temperature
24 - 28 °C
Night temperature
20 - 22 °C
Adult size
55 cm
UVB
Low - Medium
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Atheris ceratophora is endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, specifically the Usambara and Uzungwa ranges. It inhabits montane rainforests at high elevations, usually between 1,400 and 2,000 meters, living in low bushes and mossy tree branches.
Taxonomy and Genetics: A member of the family Viperidae and the genus Atheris. It is the only member of the genus Atheris to possess horn-like scales above the eyes. Biogeographically, it represents an isolated evolutionary relict in Tanzanian mountain forests. No subspecies are recognized.
Behavior and Habits: Nocturnal and arboreal. During the day, it remains coiled in mossy branches, relying on crypsis. At night, it hunts small frogs, geckos, and insects. It is venomous, carrying a hemotoxic venom. Its prehensile tail allows it to maneuver with agility through dense high-altitude vegetation.
Morphology: This is the smallest species in the genus Atheris, with adults typically measuring 30-45 cm in length. The head is flat, broad, and triangular. Above each eye, it features 2 to 5 horn-like scales, resembling eyelashes. Coloration is highly variable, ranging from black and yellow to olive-green or grey.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A vertical terrarium measuring at least 45x40x50 cm with a secure locking system is necessary. Furnish the enclosure with thin, mossy branches, vines, and live plants (ferns, bromeliads). Use a moisture-retaining substrate like sphagnum moss and coco coir to keep high humidity.
Lighting and Heating: Montane species that requires cool conditions. Keep daytime temperatures at 20-23°C, with a localized basking spot of 26°C using a protected overhead heat source. Nighttime temperatures must drop to 15-17°C. Provide a low-output UVB light on a 10-hour cycle.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels between 80% and 90%. Spray the terrarium twice daily with cool, clean water. They drink water droplets off leaves, making frequent spraying vital. Ensure excellent cross-ventilation to prevent stagnant, warm air and mold.
Feeding and Supplementation: Carnivorous. In the wild, they prey on small amphibians and geckos. Captive specimens can be fed frozen-thawed pinky mice using long feeding forceps. Dust prey with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements once a month. Avoid overfeeding.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary. Do not cohabitate. The venom is medically significant and dangerous. Keep the terrarium locked and clearly labeled. Use proper snake hooks and handling tools for maintenance. Never attempt to handle this species by hand.
Health and Common Diseases: Highly sensitive to temperatures above 27°C, which can cause fatal heat stroke. Susceptible to respiratory infections and scale rot if the enclosure lacks proper airflow while maintaining high humidity. Consult a specialized exotic animal veterinarian.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Atheris ceratophora is endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, specifically the Usambara and Uzungwa ranges. It inhabits montane rainforests at high elevations, usually between 1,400 and 2,000 meters, living in low bushes and mossy tree branches.
Origin
North AmericaAfrica and Madagascar
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 55 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 55 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 55 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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