The Asp Viper (Vipera aspis aspis) is a venomous snake in the viper family. It is also known as the European Asp. 

The Asp Viper has a long, slim body with a broad, triangular head, and a distinctive neck. It has an upturned snout (nose). Generally, the male is grey with markings, and the female is grey or brown with markings. The markings are dark-brown to blackish bands with a brown line running down its spine. It has a postocular (below the eye) stripe, more visible on the male.

It grows to 60-65 centimetres (24-26 inches) long. The male is slimmer and longer than the female. 

It is found in southwestern Europe in countries such as France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, San Marino, and Slovenia.

It prefers low mountains, forest clearings, or hills. It is diurnal, active during the day.

The Asp Viper eats rodents, such as mice and rats, as well as lizards and small bird. 

The female gives birth to 6-7 live young, after a pregnancy of 3-4 months.

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM