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Variable Bush Viper
Atheris squamigera
A highly venomous arboreal viper from the Central African rainforests, celebrated among experts for its heavily keeled, spiny scales and spectacular, polymorphic color variations.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Viperidae
Subfamily:Viperinae
Genus:Atheris
Species:Atheris squamigera
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
60 - 80 %
Day temperature
24 - 28 °C
Night temperature
20 - 22 °C
Adult size
78 cm
UVB
Low - Medium
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Atheris squamigera is native to the rainforests of Central and Western Africa, with documented populations in Cameroon, Gabon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and western Kenya. It primarily inhabits dense, low-growing shrubs, primary rainforest canopies, and secondary forest edges, often near watercourses.
Taxonomy and Genetics: A member of the family Viperidae and the subfamily Viperinae. The genus Atheris consists of specialized arboreal vipers. Scientifically, A. squamigera is famous for its high genetic polymorphism, which causes extreme color variations among individuals in the same geographic populations. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Behavior and Habits: Strictly nocturnal and arboreal. It relies on its strong prehensile tail to anchor itself to branches while waiting in ambush for prey. It is a classic sit-and-wait predator. The species possesses a potent hemotoxic venom capable of causing severe systemic damage in humans. They are generally calm but strike with explosive speed.
Morphology: Typically reaches a length of 50-70 cm, with females usually being larger than males. Its body is covered in heavily keeled, leaf-shaped scales that give it a spiny, rough appearance. The head is broad, triangular, and distinct from the neck. Coloration is highly variable, ranging from bright green, yellow, and orange to red, brown, or black.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A vertically oriented terrarium of at least 60x40x60 cm is required for a single adult. The enclosure must feature a secure lock. Provide multiple climbing branches, vines, and dense foliage (live plants like Pothos are ideal) to create arboreal hideouts. Use a moisture-retaining substrate such as cypress mulch or coco coir.
Lighting and Heating: Establish a daytime thermal gradient of 24-27°C, with a localized basking spot of 30°C using an overhead heat source secured away from the snake. Nighttime temperatures should drop to 20-22°C. A low-output UVB light (5.0) should be provided on a 10-12 hour cycle to support normal physiological processes.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain high humidity levels between 70% and 85%. Mist the terrarium thoroughly every evening with clean water. These vipers rarely drink from standing water bowls, preferring to lick water droplets off leaves, branches, or their own skin. Ensure the terrarium has good cross-ventilation.
Feeding and Supplementation: Carnivorous. Feed appropriately sized frozen-thawed mice using long feeding tongs. Never feed by hand. Feed juveniles every 7-10 days and adults every 2-3 weeks. Dust prey with multivitamin and calcium supplements once a month, avoiding over-supplementation.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary. Do not cohabitate. Housing multiple individuals together can cause severe stress and potential fights. Due to its medically significant venom, this species must only be kept by experienced keepers using hooks, shift boxes, and adhering to strict venomous snake safety protocols.
Health and Common Diseases: Susceptible to respiratory infections if the air becomes stagnant due to poor ventilation. Skin blister disease and scale rot can occur if the substrate is too wet. Dehydration is a significant risk if spraying is neglected. Ensure access to an experienced exotic animal veterinarian.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Atheris squamigera is native to the rainforests of Central and Western Africa, with documented populations in Cameroon, Gabon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and western Kenya. It primarily inhabits dense, low-growing shrubs, primary rainforest canopies, and secondary forest edges, often near watercourses.
Origin
Selective breeding and cultivarsAfrica and Madagascar
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 78 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 78 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 78 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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