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Spiny Bush Viper
Atheris hispida
An extraordinary and highly venomous Central African arboreal viper, renowned worldwide for its aggressively shaggy, bristly appearance caused by intensely elongated scales.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Viperidae
Subfamily:Viperinae
Genus:Atheris
Species:Atheris hispida
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
65 - 85 %
Day temperature
21 - 25 °C
Ambient temperature
21 - 25 °C
Night temperature
17 - 19 °C
Basking spot
27 °C
Adult size
73.5 cm
Minimum enclosure
>= 120 L
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Atheris hispida is native to the montane rainforests of Central Africa, with populations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, southwestern Uganda, and western Kenya. It inhabits humid, high-rainfall areas, including papyrus swamps, forest edges, and low-growing shrubs, usually at elevations of 1,200 to 2,400 meters.
Taxonomy and Genetics: A member of the family Viperidae and the genus Atheris. Commonly known as the Spiny or Rough-scaled Bush Viper due to its distinctive scale structure. Geographically isolated populations exist across Central African highlands. No subspecies are currently recognized, but it represents a highly specialized morphotype.
Behavior and Habits: Nocturnal and arboreal. During the day, it often basks openly on flowers, reeds, or low branches, relying on its bristly camouflage to blend in with moss and lichens. It is an ambush predator that feeds on small vertebrates. It possesses a potent hemotoxic venom. It is generally placid but strikes rapidly if cornered.
Morphology: Adults measure 50-60 cm in length, with males being longer and more slender. Its defining characteristic is its extremely elongated, pointed dorsal scales that curve outward, creating a shaggy, spiny, or hairy appearance. Coloration ranges from yellowish-green and olive to dark brown.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A vertical terrarium of at least 60x40x60 cm with a secure locking system is mandatory. Furnish the enclosure with thin climbing branches, reeds, and dense foliage (live or artificial) to allow for climbing and basking. Use a moisture-retaining substrate such as cypress mulch or coco coir.
Lighting and Heating: Prefers moderate temperatures. Daytime temperatures should be 23-26°C, with a localized basking spot of 29°C using a protected overhead heat lamp. Nighttime temperatures should drop to 18-20°C. Provide a low-output UVB light (2.0 or 5.0) on a 10-hour daily cycle.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels between 75% and 85%. Mist the enclosure daily with clean, warm water, preferably in the evening. Since they drink droplets off foliage rather than from a water bowl, daily spraying is vital. Ensure adequate cross-ventilation to prevent stagnant air.
Feeding and Supplementation: Carnivorous. In the wild, they feed on frogs, lizards, and small mammals. Captive specimens can be difficult to feed and may require scenting. Offer appropriately sized frozen-thawed mice using long feeding tongs. Dust prey with calcium and vitamins once a month.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary. Do not house together. 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: Wild-caught specimens are prone to stress-induced anorexia and parasite overload. Susceptible to respiratory infections if ventilation is inadequate, and skin infections if the substrate remains waterlogged. Consult a veterinarian specializing in venomous reptiles.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Atheris hispida is native to the montane rainforests of Central Africa, with populations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, southwestern Uganda, and western Kenya. It inhabits humid, high-rainfall areas, including papyrus swamps, forest edges, and low-growing shrubs, usually at elevations of 1,200 to 2,400 meters.
Origin
Cosmopolitan or introducedAfrica and Madagascar
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 73.5 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 73.5 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 73.5 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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