DIGITAL FACT SHEET
Part of a series on Dangerous Snakes of West Africa
Small-Scaled Burrowing Asp
Atractaspis microlepidota
NOTE: No pictures of Small-Scaled Burrowing asp are available but the images above show a closely related similar species (A. fallax).
DESCRIPTION:
The average size for a Small-Scaled Burrowing Asp is around 45cm, reaching just over a meter in length. Burrowing asps are quite shiny and usually black, blackish-grey, or occasionally, blackish brown.
HABITS & HABITAT:
The Small-Scaled Burrowing Asp can be found in Semi desert and dry savanna. Burrowing asps live and hunt in holes underground but may emerge at night, especially during and after rain. If molested it will typically arch its neck into an inverted U-shape, pointing its nose at the ground. It will also thrash or jerk around, sometimes coiling and uncoiling. It will sometimes turn the head and neck upside down and lash from side to side.
DISTRIBUTION:
Senegal, Gambia, southern Mauritania, and western Mali.
VENOM:
The venom of the Small-Scaled Burrowing Asp is Cytotoxic & Haemotoxic.
SYMPTOMS:
Immediate, intense pain and burning and the bite site; Swelling is common and may affect the entire limb; Blood filled blister; Necrosis is the usual outcome, as well as the loss of a digit.
FIRST AID:
Analgesia; Elevation; Bedrest.
ANTIVENOM:
Not effective.
Range map:
Map legend: Red dots show verified records submitted to inaturalist.org. Transparent overlay shows known range.
Unless otherwise noted, all photographs and maps are sourced from iNaturalist and permitted under licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Information sources: Published literature, Wikipedia and The Reptile Database.
Part of a series on Dangerous Snakes of West Africa
