A tumblr devoted entirely to reptiles, in the wild or in captivity as pets. The purpose of this blog is to inform people about reptiles - their habits in the wild as well as some snippets as to their care in captivity, and the unsuitability and ethics of keeping some species in captivity. 
The Rhombic Night Adder (Causus rhombeatus), also known as the Demon Night Adder, Cape Night Adder, African Night Adder and Cape Viper, is a venomous viper species found in subsaharan Africa.
With an average length of 60cm (2ft), this is the largest member of the genus Causus. The longest individual ever recorded was a 93cm (3ft) male collected in eastern Zimbabwe.
This is an active species that can often move relatively quickly. They are usually found on the ground, but have no trouble climbing or swimming. They are largely nocturnal, but are often seen basking in the early morning or late afternoon. However, Harper (1963) reported collecting a dozen specimens that were all active during the heat of the day.
Most specimens are docile, seldom attempting to bite unless severely provoked. FitzSimons is quoted in Pitman (1938) as saying that that, in captivity, they “become so tame that you may allow them to creep, climb and slither round your neck and inside your garments.” Others, however, are more temperamental.
When seriously disturbed, they will put on a “ferocious” threat display that includes coiling up, inflating the body (making the dark markings stand out), hissing and puffing loudly, flattening the anterior portion of the body, and striking frantically. They may also flatten the neck and move forward with the tongue extended, much like a small cobra. Striking is done with such vigor that small specimens may lift themselves off the ground entirely.
Their diet consists mainly of toads, but it also includes frogs and small mammals.
Rhombic Night Adder (Causus rhombeatus) AKA ‘Common Night Adder’
Credit to Quintin on SA Reptiles forums.
