|
Description |
|
The Orsini Viper (Vipera Ursinii) has a large and oval head,
unlike the Aspis Viper. The pupil is vertical and the tip of
snout has a flat profile. The body is slender with a short tail.
The coloration of the back is grey-cream or reddish, with a
zigzag dark stripe, along the backbone. |
|
Behaviour |
|
GThe Orsini Viper – usually very elusive, lonely and diurnal –
spends its days in hunting activites and long thermoregulation
periods, in bushes of Mugo Pine and Juniper. When it feels
threatened, this reptile hides inside holes in the ground, rock
cavities, and in the thick weaving of Mugo Pine roots. The males
fight for the females during the mating period (May) and they
can litter from 2 to 5 cubs in August or September. |
|
Feeding |
|
The Orsini Viper mainly preys orthopterans, but also likes
lizards and small rodents. |
|
Habitat |
|
This animal lives in the high-altitudes grasslands (1700 meters).
On Majella, it is strongly connected with populations of Mugo
Pine. |
|
Presence |
|
It is very difficult to confirm its presence through indirect
signs. The exuviae, even if hard to find and to identify, can be
useful evidences. |
|
Sighting |
|
The sighting its difficult, though its diurnal habits, also
because of its scare of the men. The Orsini Viper leads a lonely
life except of the mating period when they can be found in
couples or in groups of males on ritual fighting. |
|
Life Span |
|
7-10 years or more. |
|
Edited by Dr. Ernesto Filippi e Luca Luiselli
|
