Usambara eyelash viper

Description

It grows to a maximum total length (body + tail) of 54 cm (21 in).Females are slightly larger than males.The maximum total length for a male is reported to be 42 cm (17 in),the tail of which measured 8 cm (3.1 in).Easily recognized by a set of 3-5 horn-like superciliary scales above each eye.The rostral scale is more than twice as broad as high.There are 9 upper labials.The first 3 lower labials on each side are in contact with the one pair of chin shields.Midbody,the dorsal scales number 21-25.The ventral scale count is 142-152.There are 41-56 subcaudals.The color pattern consists of a yellowish-green,olive,gray or black ground color.This may or may not be overlaid by variable markings,sometimes in the form of irregular black spots or cross-bars that may be lined with yellow or white spots.The belly is dirty orange to almost black in color,sometimes with dark spots.