Micrelaps muelleri

Mueller Erdviper ( Micrelaps muelleri ) is a species of Erdvipern ( Atractaspididae ), which is common in the Middle East in Israel, Lebanon and Syria. Like all Erdvipern it has in the rear region of the jaw behind continuous grooves teeth associated with venom glands.

Features

Mueller Erdviper is a small snake, reaching a maximum length of about 35 to 52 cm. The body color is black or dark brown with white rings, which vary in width and are part of each broader and narrower than the dark circles. The belly is dark colored, so that the bright rings are interrupted. The head is dark brown, the neck bright

The head is flat and separated from the body. The small eyes have a round-oval pupil. The front plate is very small, a bridle tag is missing as well as the Voraugenschilde. Behind the eye is a Postoculare. The third and fourth upper lip plate collides with the upper edge of the eye, a total of seven shields are formed. The body scales are smooth. Around the middle of the body are 15 scale rows.

Distribution and habitat

Mueller Erdviper can be found in the Middle East in Israel, Lebanon and Syria. As habitat to colonize the animals bush steppes and semi-deserts with rocky and stony ground, while they reach altitudes of up to 2,000 m.

Way of life

Over the life of Mueller Erdviper are few data. It is a predominantly nocturnal ground snake that burrows in the ground, looking for small mammals such as mice and lizards. Often they are also found in duct systems of small mammals.

The snake is oviparous.

Snake venom

Mueller Erdviper has a relatively effective but not usually deadly poison, which they can bring about the permanent furrows behind teeth into a wound.