A small yet striking desert viper found in the rocky and sandy regions of the Middle East. Named in honor of the British naturalist Henry Field, who first described it in the 1930s, this snake is a member of the fascinating genus Pseudocerastes—the “false-horned vipers.”

Physically, Pseudocerastes fieldi is a medium-sized viper. It has a stout, muscular body with a broad, triangular head distinct from its narrow neck. The most defining feature of this snake—and the one that gives the genus its name—is the presence of small, scale-formed “horns” above the eyes. Unlike the large, single-scale horns of true horned vipers (Cerastes cerastes), the Field’s horned viper’s “false horns” are made of several tiny, flexible scales that form raised ridges over each eye, giving it a sharp, alert look.

Its coloration is perfectly tuned to the desert palette—a blend of sandy beige, gray, yellow, or light brown, decorated with irregular darker blotches and spots that mimic the texture of sunlit rock and sand. This camouflage allows it to vanish almost completely into its surroundings, making it nearly invisible to both prey and predators. Its scales are rough and keeled, which helps scatter sunlight and reduce reflection, enhancing its concealment in the desert’s glare. Its eyes are positioned high on its head, allowing it to peer over sand or gravel while remaining mostly hidden beneath the surface.

The Field’s horned viper is generally non-aggressive and relies heavily on its camouflage for protection. When threatened, it exhibits a dramatic defensive display—coiling its body, flattening its head, and producing a loud rasping hiss by rubbing its coils together, a behavior known as stridulation. If further provoked, it can strike rapidly and repeatedly, though it prefers to remain still and undetected. Its movements are smooth and deliberate, often using sidewinding or gliding motions to cross loose sand with minimal energy and heat exposure.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Egypt

2012

Iran

2012

Presence Uncertain

Iraq

2012

Jordan

2012

Saudi Arabia

2012

Syria

2012