Bitis atropos (Linnaeus, 1758)

Size

This species, Bitis atropos, has a typical adult total length (including body and tail) of 30–40 cm (about 12–16 in). Some wild females reach a maximum total length of 50 cm (20 in), while captive females can grow up to 60 cm (24 in).

Southern Africa Distribution

Bitis atropos occurs in isolated populations across the mountainous regions of southern Africa. Within South Africa, it is found in Transvaal, along the Drakensberg escarpment of eastern and northern Transvaal.

South African Range

It also lives in western Natal, Lesotho, eastern Free State, and the southern coastal mountains of western and eastern Cape Province. Spawls and Branch (1995) noted that its range in Cape Province extends into the Cape Peninsula.

Additional Distribution Areas

Additional areas where it occurs include Eswatini, the higher altitudes of eastern Zimbabwe (such as the Inyanga Highlands and Chimanimani Mountains), and nearby Mozambique.

Habitat Preferences

This species can live in a variety of habitats, but prefers relatively cool environments with high precipitation. In the northern portion of its range, where winters are cold and dry and summers are warm and wet, it is restricted to higher elevations, reaching up to 3,000 m (9,800 ft).

Northern Range Habitat

In Zimbabwe, it is not found at elevations below 1,500 m (4,900 ft), and is most commonly associated with mountain slopes and rocky hillsides. It can also be found in montane grassland with patches of bushes and shrubs.

Southern Range Habitat

In the southern portion of its range (Cape Province, South Africa), where winters are cold and wet and summers are warm and dry, it inhabits coastal and mountain heathland, small rock outcrops at sea level, and grassy areas with clumps of bushes and shrubs west of the Cape Peninsula.

Reproductive Mode

Bitis atropos is viviparous. Its young are born in late summer.

Litter Characteristics

The average litter size is seven, though litters can be as large as 15. Each newborn neonate has a total length (including tail) of about 13 cm (5.1 in).