Atheris rungweensis, commonly known as the Rungwe tree viper,[3][4] Mt Rungwe bush viper,[2] and Rungwe leaf viper,[5] is a species of venomous viper found in East Africa.[2][3]
The specific name is derived from the species type locality in the Rungwe Mountains.[1] It was formerly considered as a subspecies of Atheris nitschei.[2][6]
It grows to a maximum length (body + tail) of 65 cm (26 in). At midbody, it has 22–33 dorsal scale rows. The ventral scales number 150–165, and the subcaudals 46–58.[4]
The color pattern is variable, with a ground color that ranges from bright green to green to black. Usually, this is overlaid with a pair of yellow dorsolateral zigzag lines. A row of yellow spots on the sides of the ventral scales may also be present. Specimens from the Sumbawanga region usually have a green yellow and black color pattern. Neonates are a dark brown or gray, but with a bright yellow tail tip.[6]
Atheris rungweensis is known from scattered locations from south-western Tanzania to north-eastern Zambia and south to the Nyika Plateau in northern Malawi.[3]
Atheris rungweensis is usually found in low bushes along streams and at the edges of mountain forests at altitudes of 800–2,000 m (2,600–6,600 ft).[4][7] Occasionally, it is encountered in moist savanna, woodland, and hill forest habitats.[6]
Atheris rungweensis, commonly known as the Rungwe tree viper, Mt Rungwe bush viper, and Rungwe leaf viper, is a species of venomous viper found in East Africa.
