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:''Common names: saw-scaled vipers, carpet vipers.〔Spawls S, Branch B. 1995. ''The Dangerous Snakes of Africa''. Dubai: Ralph Curtis Books. Oriental Press. 192 pp. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.〕'' ''Echis'' is a genus of venomous vipers found in the dry regions of Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. They have a characteristic threat display, rubbing sections of their body together to produce a "sizzling" warning sound.〔Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. ''True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers''. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. 359 pp. ISBN 0-89464-877-2.〕 The name ''Echis'' is a Greek word for "viper." Their common name is "saw-scaled vipers" and they include some of the species responsible for causing the most snakebite cases and deaths in the world.〔Campbell JA, Lamar WW. 2004. ''The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere''. Ithaca and London: Comstock Publishing Associates. 870 pp. 1500 plates. ISBN 0-8014-4141-2.〕 Eight species are currently recognized. ==Description== Saw-scaled vipers are relatively small snakes, the largest species (''E. leucogaster, E. pyramidum'') staying slightly below in total length (body + tail), and the smallest (''E. hughesi, E. jogeri'') being around in total length. The head is relatively small and is short, wide, pear-shaped and distinct from the neck. The snout is short and rounded, while the eyes are relatively large and the body is moderately slender and cylindrical. The dorsal scales are mostly keeled. However, the scales on the lower flanks stick out at a distinct 45° angle and have a central ridge, or keel, that is serrated (hence the common name). The tail is short and the subcaudals are single.〔 A saw scaled viper of the genus ''Echis'' may be responsible for biblical claims of a fiery flying serpent.〔(What Fiery Flying Serpent Symbolized Christ? ) at (Meridian ). Accessed 22 June 2007.〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Echis」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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