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Atractaspis irregularis
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Atractaspididae
Genus:	Atractaspis
Species:	A. irregularis
Binomial name
Atractaspis irregularis (J.T. Reinhardt, 1843)
Synonyms
Elaps irregularis J.T. Reinhardt, 1843 Atractaspis coalescens Perret, 1960

Atractaspis irregularis, or the variable burrowing asp, is a species of venomous snake in the family Atractaspididae. It is found in Africa.

Description

Atractaspis irregularis is completely dark brown or black. The snout is very short and rounded. The portion of the rostral visible from above measures ⅔ to ¾ of its distance from the frontal. The frontal is as long as it is broad, and much longer than its distance from the end of the snout. The dorsal scales are in 25 or 27 rows, with ventral scales 220–257; anal divided; subcaudals 22–28 and divided.

Adults may attain a total length of 56 cm (22 in), with a tail 3.5 cm (1+3⁄8 in) long.

References

1. "Atractaspis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 29 August 2007.
2. Spawls, S. & Branch, B. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Dubai: Oriental Press, 1995. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.
3. Boulenger, G.A. 1896. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume III. London. pp. 513-514.

• Reinhardt, J.T. 1843. Beskrivelse af nogle nye Slangearter. Dansk. Vidensk. Selsk. Afhandl. Skrift. 10:233-279, pl. iii, figs. 1–3.

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