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Lichtenstein's night adder
Causus lichtensteinii
An equatorial rainforest African viper defined by partial semi-arboreal habits and a striking velvety green coloration that perfectly camouflages it while hunting frogs.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Viperidae
Subfamily:Causinae
Genus:Causus
Species:Causus lichtensteinii
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
60 - 80 %
Day temperature
25 - 29 °C
Night temperature
21 - 24 °C
Adult size
71 cm
UVB
Low - Medium
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Causus lichtensteinii is native to the tropical rainforests of equatorial and western Africa. Its range includes countries such as Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and western Kenya. Unlike the common night adder, this species is closely tied to the humid equatorial rainforest habitat, living among the dense undergrowth vegetation near swamps, forest streams, and gallery forests, preferring cool, shaded, and constantly moist microhabitats.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belonging to the family Viperidae, subfamily Causinae, genus Causus. Described by Jan in 1859, it is named after German naturalist Martin Lichtenstein. Taxonomically, it shares with the genus Causus the presence of large symmetrical head shields, but morphologically and genetically distinguishes itself by a more slender body and adaptations related to the closed forest environment. No subspecies are recognized. It possesses exceptionally elongated venom glands extending into the body.
Behavior and Habits: It is a predominantly terrestrial snake but with distinct semi-arboreal tendencies, often climbing onto low bushes and fallen branches to hunt or rest. It is active mainly during crepuscular and nocturnal hours. It exhibits a shy and secretive temperament; when disturbed, it prefers to escape silently into the dense vegetation or hide under leaf litter, but if cornered, it can flatten its body and deliver rapid defensive bites.
Morphology: Compared to other Causus species, it has a more slender and flexible body. Adults reach a maximum length between 50 and 70 centimeters. The head is rounded, covered with large shields, and indistinct from the neck. Dorsal coloration is typically olive-green or velvety forest green, sometimes with faint pale markings or poorly defined dark chevrons along the back. A dark inverted V-shaped marking pointing toward the snout is present on the head, often bordered with a lighter color. The eyes have round pupils and a golden iris.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Captive husbandry requires a mixed-height (horizontal/vertical) terrarium measuring at least 80x50x50 cm, equipped with a safety lock. The substrate must be capable of retaining moisture without rotting; coconut fiber mixed with peat or sphagnum moss is recommended, covered with a layer of dry leaves. Sturdy branches arranged horizontally and diagonally are essential to encourage climbing, along with live or fake broad-leafed plants for shelter. A fresh water bowl must always be available.
Lighting and Heating: Requires a 12-hour photoperiod using low-heat LED or fluorescent lamps. The use of a weak UVB bulb (2-5%) is recommended. Heating must ensure a cooler thermal gradient compared to other vipers: a hot zone of 26-28°C (79-82°F) and a cool zone of 22-24°C (72-75°F), preferably using an overhead heating panel connected to a thermostat. At night, the temperature can drop to 18-20°C (64-68°F).
Humidity and Hydration: As a rainforest species, humidity must be kept high, between 70% and 80%. This is achieved by daily misting of the terrarium with dechlorinated water. Good ventilation via mesh grilles is critical to avoid stagnant air that would encourage respiratory infections. Provide a humid hide filled with damp sphagnum moss.
Feeding and Supplementation: The natural diet is based on small amphibians (frogs and tree frogs). In captivity, feeding can be highly challenging, as it often rejects rodents. Scenting techniques on mice are recommended to stimulate the snake's appetite. Feed adults every 10-12 days. Having a fast metabolism for vipers, they require regular meals.
Compatibility: A solitary species. It must be housed individually. Any handling must be performed with extreme caution using safety hooks and long tongs. The venom is primarily hemotoxic, causing pain, local edema, and superficial tissue necrosis; although not generally lethal to humans, the bite requires immediate medical attention.
Health and Common Diseases: The main risks include dehydration if humidity drops below 60%, respiratory infections due to poor ventilation or incorrect temperatures, and internal parasites common in wild-caught specimens. Clean the terrarium regularly and change the water daily to maintain the high hygiene standards necessary.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Causus lichtensteinii is native to the tropical rainforests of equatorial and western Africa. Its range includes countries such as Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and western Kenya. Unlike the common night adder, this species is closely tied to the humid equatorial rainforest habitat, living among the dense undergrowth vegetation near swamps, forest streams, and gallery forests, preferring cool, shaded, and constantly moist microhabitats.
Origin
Africa and Madagascar
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 71 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 71 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 71 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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