Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Plate 4.88
(A-D) European asp; juraviper, alpenviper, vipere aspic (
Vipera aspis
).
This
viperine viperid is found in France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Slovenia. There
are approximately five subspecies, and average adults may reach about 0.8 m in total body
length. Although primarily nocturnal, it is diurnal in cooler months, and often found in open
rocky hillsides, but also occurs in moist mountainous biotopes. Envenomations from this
species may include mild-to-moderate local effects such as edema, ecchymoses, and pain
(may be severe), and life-threatening systemic effects such as hypotension, respiratory
distress, and cranial nerve palsies. Some populations found in southeastern France secrete
