# Asp Viper (*Vipera aspis*) The Asp Viper is a small but fascinating snake that has a unique look! They are often found hiding in rocks. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 5/5 · Extreme - **Habitat:** Rocky areas and dry grasslands - **Also known as:** Asp Snake, Common European Adder, European Asp Viper, European Viper ![Asp Viper](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424381/objects/5604.jpg) ## Appearance The Asp Viper has a stocky body with a broad, triangular head and a distinctly upturned snout. Its skin patterns vary greatly, often featuring shades of grey, brown, or red, with dark zigzag or rhomboid markings that help it blend into rocky terrain. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Serpentes - **Family:** Viperidae - **Genus:** Vipera ## Interesting facts - Baby Asp Vipers are born alive, not hatched from eggs! - Its fangs are like tiny, hollow needles that fold back when not in use! - Some Asp Vipers have a special 'horn' made of scales on their nose! - They can 'smell' with their tongue by flicking it to gather scents! ## Special abilities - **Camouflage Expert:** Asp Viper has varied skin patterns and colors that help them disappear seamlessly into rocky and grassy environments. - **Ambush Predator:** Asp Viper can remain perfectly still for long periods because this allows them to surprise unsuspecting prey. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 60-90 cm - **Weight:** 0.15-0.3 kg - **Lifespan:** 15-20 years - **Speed:** 2 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 4-12 ## Diet & Feeding This venomous snake hunts and eats small mammals, birds, and lizards using its powerful bite. - **Age differences:** Young Asp Vipers primarily feed on lizards and small invertebrates before moving to larger prey. - **Primary Foods:** Rodents, Lizards, Small birds - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Short-toed Snake Eagle (*Circaetus gallicus*) — A specialized bird of prey that hunts snakes. - **Eaten by:** [European Badger](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-badger) (*Meles meles*) — Opportunistically preys on snakes found on the ground or in burrows. - **Hunts:** Wood Mouse (*Apodemus sylvaticus*) — A common small mammal prey in its natural habitat. - **Hunts:** [Common Wall Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-wall-lizard) (*Podarcis muralis*) — A frequent reptile prey, particularly for younger individuals. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 5/5 · Extreme Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Asp Viper? Compare the full body pattern, build, head markings and tail. Color can shift with age and lighting. Rules of thumb about triangular heads or round pupils aren't a reliable way to tell whether a snake is venomous. Snake Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Asp Viper? 60-90 cm ### How much does Asp Viper weigh? 0.15-0.3 kg ### How long does Asp Viper live? 15-20 years ### How fast can Asp Viper move? 2 km/h ### What does Asp Viper eat? This venomous snake hunts and eats small mammals, birds, and lizards using its powerful bite. ### Where is Asp Viper usually found? Rocky areas and dry grasslands ### How does Asp Viper hunt? Ambush ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Asp Viper: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/asp-viper)