Meadow Viper

About the Meadow Viper

Vipera ursinii is a species of venomous snake in the subfamily Viperinae of the family Viperidae. It is a very rare species, which is in danger of extinction. This species is commonly called the meadow viper, Orsini's viper, Ursini's viper, and the meadow adder. It is found in southeast France, the central Apennines in Italy, as well as fragmented areas of eastern Europe. Several subspecies are recognised.

The specific name or epithet, ursinii, is in honour of Italian naturalist Antonio Orsini (1788–1870). Adults of Vipera ursini average 40–50 cm (16–20 inches) in total length (tail included), although specimens of 63–80 cm (25–31 inches) in total length have been reported. Females are larger than males. Although sometimes confused with V. aspis or V. berus, it differs from them in the following characters. The smallest viper in Europe, its body is thick, its head narrow, and its appearance rough. The snout is not upturned. There are always several large scales or plates on the top of the head. The prominently keeled dorsal scales are in only 19 rows, and often dark skin shows between them. It is grey, tan, or yellowish with a dark undulating dorsal... Wikipedia →