Carpet viper

Definition

= reddish brown viper with a pale underside and a row of pale blotches arranged side-by-side in pairs all the way down its back; it grows to about 80 centimeters in length, and its head is smaller and its body thinner than most typical vipers; it is easily provoked and quite aggressive; it is active mainly in the daytime, as it can stand higher temperatures than many other snakes; it lives in desert and grassland areas and feeds on jerboas, mice, and mole rats; its venom is slow-acting but highly poisonous; ◄ |iEchis coloratus|i*; ► unclean animal; ≈ associated with lurking danger