horned viper
• noun
A venomous snake of the genus Cerastes, particularly the Saharan horned viper (Cerastes cerastes), characterized by prominent horn-like scales above its eyes and native to the sandy deserts of North Africa and the Middle East.
"The Saharan horned viper utilizes its sandy coloration to camouflage itself perfectly among the desert dunes while awaiting prey."
Any of several other venomous snakes that possess horn-like structures or fleshy appendages on their heads, such as the nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) found in Southern Europe and the Balkans.
"While hiking through the rocky outcrops of Greece, the guide warned the group to watch their step to avoid startling a resting horned viper."
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