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Bitis
Genus of snakes / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bitis is a genus of venomous vipers found in Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula.[1] It includes the largest and the smallest vipers in the world. Members are known for their characteristic threat displays that involve inflating and deflating their bodies while hissing and puffing loudly.[2] The type species for this genus is B. arietans,[1] which is also the most widely distributed viper in Africa.[3] Currently, 18 species are recognized.[4]
Quick Facts Bitis, Scientific classification ...
Bitis | |
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Bitis arietans | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Viperidae |
Subfamily: | Viperinae |
Genus: | Bitis Gray, 1842 |
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Synonyms[1] | |
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Members of the genus are commonly known as African adders,[2] African vipers,[3] or puff adders.