﻿256 VIPERID^ 



The var. meridionalis inhabits Greece, with the 

 Archipelago, Asia Minor, and Syria. 



The specimens from Transcaucasia constitute a 

 further variety (var. transcaucasiana, Boulenger), 

 agreeing w^ith the var. montandoni in the rostral 

 scutellation and in the number of ventral shields 

 (150 to 156), but differing in the markings on the 

 back ; these consist of dark bars or alternating 

 paired dark spots, as in the typical form of V. aspis. 

 The dark and light markings on the low^er lip are 

 as in the typical V. ammodytes, and the lower surface 

 of the tail is pale yellow or greenish towards the 

 end. 



Habits. — Notwithstanding its name ammodytes^ 

 this Viper is by no means restricted to sandy 

 localities ; on the contrary, it shows a predilection 

 for dry stony hills with low vegetation, and has 

 often been found climbing bushes. It avoids thick 

 forest, but occurs on the edges of woods and in 

 clearings, as well as on the borders of roads through 

 woods. In the cooler regions of the mountains, 

 which it ascends to a considerable altitude, it is 

 essentially diurnal, leaving its retreat only when 

 the sun shines ; but in warm localities it is stated 

 to be principally nocturnal, appearing in numbers 

 by moonlight. The length of its period of hiber- 

 nation depends entirely on the climate, but when 

 the winter is mild it may be seen about in mid- 

 winter whenever the sun shines. The poison of 



