Bitis heraldica
# Bitis heraldica

Bitis heraldica is a venomous viper species endemic to Angola. It is easily distinguished from B. caudalis by its heavily speckled belly and lack of any supraocular "horns". No subspecies are currently recognized.

## Taxonomy

Its common names include Angolan adder and Bocage's horned adder.

## Description

The maximum recorded total length (body + tail) is 405 mm (15.9 in).

## Distribution and habitat

It is found on the high plateau of central Angola.

The type locality given is "sur les bords de la rivière Calae, l'un des affluents de Cunene, entre le $13^o$ et $14^o$ parallèle á l'est de Caconda." [Calai River (tributary of the Kunene), Cacanda, Angola.

It commonly inhabits rocky mountain slopes.

## Behavior

Nothing is known of its behavior, as less than 20 specimens have ever been collected.

## Venom

Nothing is known of the venom composition, and no bites have ever been recorded.

