Meadow Viper, or Orsini's Viper, (Vipera ursinii), Gran Sasso National Park, central Italy

---

The Orsini's Viper (or Meadow Viper), Vipera ursinii, is the smallest European viper and its distribution is very patchy and localized in eastern and southern European countries. It can be distinguished from the Asp Viper (Vipera aspis) by its smaller size, narrower head, and the black outline of its zigzag back pattern. Its poison is less potent than other European vipers, and it feeds mainly on grasshoppers and lizards. In most areas of Europe it is montane as in Italy, where this photograph was taken. In Italy it is only found over 2000m above sea-level. Its range does not often coincide with that of the Asp Viper. This individual was photographed in the Gran Sasso National Park at about 2300m above sea-level, in August.

---

Size: 4672px × 3104px
Location: Gran Sasso National Park, central Italy
Photo credit: © Paul Harris / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

Keywords: adder, apennines, localized, meadow, mountain, orsini, rare, reptile, snake, venom, venomous, viper