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Western Bush Viper
Atheris chlorechis
A venomous arboreal viper native to the lush West African rainforests, beautifully characterized by its vibrant leaf-green coloration adorned with small, bright yellow speckles.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Viperidae
Subfamily:Viperinae
Genus:Atheris
Species:Atheris chlorechis
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
60 - 80 %
Day temperature
24 - 28 °C
Night temperature
20 - 22 °C
Adult size
70 cm
UVB
Low - Medium
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Atheris chlorechis is native to the forested regions of West Africa, ranging through Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. It inhabits primary and secondary tropical rainforests, occupying tree canopies, dense vines, and shrubs near rivers.
Taxonomy and Genetics: A member of the family Viperidae and the genus Atheris. Historically confused with other green bush vipers, it is now recognized as a distinct West African species characterized by specific midbody scale rows and cephalic scalation. Its genetics reflect adaptation to humid, lowland forests.
Behavior and Habits: Nocturnal and arboreal. It spends daytime hours resting in foliage, blending in as a green leaf. At night, it hunts small rodents, frogs, and lizards using an ambush strategy. It is venomous, possessing a hemotoxic venom that requires medical attention if a bite occurs. Generally non-aggressive but strikes fast.
Morphology: Adults average 50-70 cm in length. The head is flat, triangular, and distinct from the neck. The body is covered with strongly keeled scales. The coloration is light green to yellowish-green with small, scattered yellow spots on the back. Juveniles are born with an olive-brown coloration that shifts as they mature.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A vertical terrarium of at least 60x40x60 cm is required. Furnish the enclosure with climbing branches, natural vines, and dense foliage to allow for climbing and shelter. The substrate should consist of organic soil, cypress mulch, or coco coir to assist with moisture retention.
Lighting and Heating: Keep daytime temperatures between 25°C and 28°C, with a localized basking spot of 31°C using a protected heat lamp. Nighttime temperatures should drop to 20-22°C. A 5% UVB lamp is recommended for 10-12 hours daily to simulate filtered sunlight through the rainforest canopy.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels between 70% and 80%. Spray the terrarium daily with warm, clean water, preferably in the evening. Vipers drink droplets from leaves rather than from a bowl. Ensure proper cross-ventilation to prevent mold and stagnant air.
Feeding and Supplementation: Carnivorous. Feed appropriately sized frozen-thawed mice using long feeding forceps. Neonates may occasionally require scenting or small frogs to start feeding. Dust prey with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements once a month for adults.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary. Do not house together. The enclosure must have a secure lock and be clearly labeled as venomous. Use standard venomous snake handling tools such as hooks and safety containers during maintenance. Do not handle directly.
Health and Common Diseases: Dehydration is a major risk if spraying is neglected. Stagnant air combined with high humidity can cause respiratory infections. Scale rot or blister disease can occur if the substrate remains too wet. Consult a veterinarian specializing in venomous reptiles.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Atheris chlorechis is native to the forested regions of West Africa, ranging through Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. It inhabits primary and secondary tropical rainforests, occupying tree canopies, dense vines, and shrubs near rivers.
Origin
Africa and Madagascar
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 70 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 70 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 70 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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