7 Horned Snake Variations Inhabiting a Desert Near You

The desert horned viper (Cerastes cerastes) lives in arid regions of the Middle East and North Africa. Cerastes cerastes hoofieni and Cerastes cerastes cerastes are both subspecies of this North African horned viper.

Also known as the Saharan horned viper or African desert horned viper, the carnivorous species' diet consists primarily of small rodents and lizards, which it ambushes from hiding spots beneath the sand.

Vipers are not typically active species. One interesting feature of these Old World vipers is that horned and hornless offspring can occur within the same population.

The Arabian horned viper (Cerastes gasperettii) is a venomous snake that inhabits the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, including Saudi Arabia and Oman. This viper often buries itself in the sand to ambush prey like small rodents, birds and lizards.

Its venom, while dangerous, is typically used to immobilize prey rather than for defense, and bites to humans are rare.

Vipera ammodytes, commonly known as the nose-horned viper, is a venomous snake that inhabits Southern Europe and parts of the Balkans. It is easily recognizable by the prominent horn-like structure on its snout, which distinguishes it from other European vipers.

This species inhabits rocky hillsides, woodlands and scrublands, where it preys on small mammals, birds and lizards. The venom of Vipera ammodytes is potent, making it one of the most dangerous vipers in Europe, though bites are rare and typically occur when the snake feels threatened.

Despite its fearsome reputation, it plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations.

Atheris matildae, commonly known as Matilda's horned viper, is a venomous species of viper found in the forests of Tanzania. It stands out because of its striking appearance, including bright green and black scales and small horn-like scales above its eyes.

This rare snake inhabits high-altitude forests and is arboreal, spending much of its time in trees hunting birds, frogs and small mammals.

Due to habitat loss and its restricted range, Atheris matildae is critically endangered, with conservation efforts underway to protect its remaining populations. Its discovery was significant as it highlighted the biodiversity still present in remote and unexplored regions.

The spider-tailed horned viper (Pseudocerastes urarachnoides) is a venomous snake native to western Iran, known for its unique tail that mimics the appearance and movements of a spider.

This specialized tail serves as a lure, attracting birds and other prey by wiggling like a spider — an example of caudal luring in the animal kingdom.

The viper's raised scales resemble small horns above its eyes, enhancing its camouflage in rocky and arid environments. It is an ambush predator, patiently waiting for prey to approach its tail before striking.

The horned adder (Bitis caudalis) is a small, venomous snake native to the arid regions of southern Africa, particularly in deserts and savannas. It gets its name from the distinctive horn-like scale above each eye, which helps it blend into its sandy environment.

This ambush predator buries itself in loose sand, leaving only its head exposed as it waits for small mammals, lizards and birds to pass by. While its venom is toxic, the horned adder is generally not aggressive and bites are rare.

The desert sidewinding horned viper (Crotalus cerastes), also known as the sidewinder, is famous for its unique way of moving across the sand. Instead of slithering traditionally, this snake uses a sidewinding motion to avoid sinking into the soft desert sands.

It's an expert at finding prey in the desert’s extreme conditions. The diet of this carnivorous species consists primarily of small mammals and lizards. This more active reptile is an excellent example of how movement can be adapted to suit the environment.

While some species do not face any threats (like the Sahara horned viper), others do. Some populations face threats due to habitat destruction and human activity.

Organizations focused on wildlife conservation are working to protect these snake species, ensuring they can preserve their habitats for future generations.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.