This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. (June 2011) |
Atheris | |
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Atheris hispida | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Viperidae |
Subfamily: | Viperinae |
Genus: | Atheris Cope, 1862 |
Synonyms | |
Atheris is a genus of vipers known as bush vipers.[2] They are found only in tropical subsaharan Africa (excluding southern Africa)[1] and many species have isolated and fragmented distributions due to their confinement to rain forests.[3] Like all other vipers, they are venomous. In an example of convergent evolution, they show many similarities to the arboreal pit vipers of Asia and South America.[2] Seventeen species are currently recognized.[4]