common sand viper

The common sand viper, or Sahara sand viper (C. vipera), is a small, venomous snake found in North Africa and the Middle East. It belongs to the viper family and is characterized by its sand-coloured body, often marked with dark spots or bars, which helps it camouflage. These snakes typically grow to about 60 cm (2 feet) in length and have a stocky build with a broad head.1

To protect themselves from the heat and to ambush prey like lizards and small mammals, sand vipers bury themselves in the sand. They are known for their unique sidewinding locomotion, which allows them to move efficiently across sandy terrain. While venomous, their venom is considered relatively weak and rarely fatal to humans.12