Atractaspis bibronii Smith, 1849

Adult Size

Adults of Atractaspis bibronii Smith, 1849 have an average total length (including the tail) of 30–40 cm (12–16 in), and reach a maximum total length of 55 cm (21+3⁄4 in).

Dorsal Coloration

The dorsal side is uniformly colored grey, dark brown, or black.

Ventral Coloration

The belly is uniformly white or pale yellow, marked with a series of dark blotches. In individuals with lighter belly coloration, the belly color can also extend across two or three scale rows on the flanks.

Snout Morphology

The snout is prominent and subcuneiform.

Rostral Scale Features

The portion of the rostral scale visible from above is as long as, or slightly shorter than, the distance between the rostral and the frontal scale.

Midbody Dorsal Scale Rows

Dorsal scales are arranged in 21 or 23 rows at midbody.

Ventral Scale Count

There are 221 to 260 ventral scales.

Anal Scale Trait

The anal scale is entire.

Subcaudal Scale Features

There are 20 to 23 subcaudal scales, and all or most of these are single (not divided).

Geographic Range

Atractaspis bibronii is native to southern Africa, with a range extending from central Namibia east to northern South Africa, and north to southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, eastern Tanzania, coastal Kenya, and the extreme southern coastal region of Somalia.

Preferred Habitats

The species' preferred habitats include fynbos, the Namib Desert, karoo scrub, semi-desert, arid savannah, savannah, moist savannah, grassland, lowland forest, and woodland.