A new adder (Bitis; Viperidae) from the Western Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

A new species of small, terrestrial Bitis is described from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. It occurs in sympatry with Bitis comuta and Bitis atropos on the upper slopes and summit of the Cedarberg, and with the latter on the Swartberg. Features of scalation, colour and body form distinguish the new species from all other southern African Bitis. Its range extends in an arc from the northern Cape Fold Mountains, southwards into the western regions of the Little Karoo, with a possibly isolated population on the Roggeveldberg and Komsberg of the inland escarpment.