| Bitis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Bitis arietans | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Subfamily: | Viperinae |
| Genus: | Bitis Gray, 1842 |
| |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Bitis is a genus of vipers found in Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula.[1] It includes the largest and the smallest vipers in the world. Members are known for their characteristic threat displays that involve inflating and deflating their bodies while hissing and puffing loudly.[2] The type species for this genus is B. arietans,[1] which is also the most widely distributed viper in Africa.[3] Currently, 18 species are recognized.[4]
Members of the genus are commonly known as African adders,[2] African vipers,[3] or puff adders.
- ^ a b c McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, Volume 1. Washington, District of Columbia: Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).[page needed]
- ^ a b Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. 359 pp. ISBN 0-89464-877-2.[page needed]
- ^ a b Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Dubai: Ralph Curtis Books. Oriental Press. 192 pp. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.[page needed]
- ^ "Bitis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 18 July 2006.