v14i2.382
Volume 14 | Number 2 | November 2025
Short Note
eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v14i2.382
Submitted date: 16 May 2025
Accepted date: 30 October 2025
Published date: 28 November 2025
Pp. 296–298.
Ophiophagy in the saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) from the UAE
P.L. Madurapperuma
*Corresponding author. E-mail: Pubudu.madurapperuma@emirates.com
The saw-scaled viper, Echis carinatus (Schneider, 1801), is a widespread venomous snake found across arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East and South Asia. It is a generalist predator, known to feed predominantly on arthropods (particularly scorpions and centipedes), small lizards, rodents, and occasionally amphibians, and generally exhibits opportunistic feeding patterns typical of Old-World vipers. Despite a well-documented dietary breadth, no prior observations or records of ophiophagy (snake-eating behavior) exist for this species.
Section Editor: Ivan Ineich
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v14i2.382
Submitted date: 16 May 2025
Accepted date: 30 October 2025
Published date: 28 November 2025
Pp. 296–298.
Ophiophagy in the saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) from the UAE
P.L. Madurapperuma
*Corresponding author. E-mail: Pubudu.madurapperuma@emirates.com
The saw-scaled viper, Echis carinatus (Schneider, 1801), is a widespread venomous snake found across arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East and South Asia. It is a generalist predator, known to feed predominantly on arthropods (particularly scorpions and centipedes), small lizards, rodents, and occasionally amphibians, and generally exhibits opportunistic feeding patterns typical of Old-World vipers. Despite a well-documented dietary breadth, no prior observations or records of ophiophagy (snake-eating behavior) exist for this species.
Section Editor: Ivan Ineich
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