It grows to a length of about 5 mm (0.20 in) and is actually soft and flexible. It consists of approximately nine to seventeen small scales, arranged in two (occasionally three or four) transverse rows. The most distinctive characteristic is a single "horn" on the snout, just above the rostral scale. The rostral scale is wider than it is long. ![]() The nasal scale is large, single (rarely divided), and separated from the rostral by a single nasorostral scale. Ten to thirteen small scales surround each eye, and two rows separate the eye from the supralabials. The head is covered in small, irregular scales, that are either smooth or only weakly-keeled a pair of large supraocular scales also extends beyond the posterior margin of the eye. This indicates some degree of regional or insular dwarfism. the largest captured during the study was a male, at 66 cm. In one field study on Golem Grad island (in Macedonia), for example, females averaged 35 cm., and males at 37 cm. Maximum length also depends on locality, with northern forms distinctly larger than southern ones. ammodytes grows to an average total length (snout-tail) of 85 cm (33.5 in), although individuals usually measure less than 75 cm (29.5 in). ![]() Five subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here. The specific name, ammodytes, is derived from the Greek words ammos, meaning "sand", and dutes, meaning "burrower" or "diver", despite its preference for rocky habitats. It is reputed to be the most dangerous of the European vipers due to its large size, long fangs (up to 13 mm) and high venom toxicity. Vipera ammodytes, commonly known as horned viper, long-nosed viper, nose-horned viper, and sand viper, is a species of viper found in southern Europe, mainly northern Italy, the Balkans, and parts of Asia Minor. Vipera ( Rhinaspis) ammodytes ammodytes - Obst, 1983.
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