Nose-horned Viper — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Nose-horned Viper get?

An adult Nose-horned Viper typically measures 60–90 cm.

Husbandry requirements

Nose-horned Viper — origin: South-eastern Europe and Asia Minor: north-eastern Italy, the Balkans, Greece, as far as Austria and Hungary, Turkey and the Caucasus. Occupies sunny rocky slopes, scree, dry-stone walls and garrigue..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min16 °C

Cool side20–24 °C

Warm side26–30 °C

Basking spot32–35 °C

A heliophilic species of rocky habitats: a genuine basking hot spot (32-35 °C) is necessary, with a marked thermal gradient. A night-time drop is beneficial (16-20 °C). A winter brumation of 2 to 3 months at 5-10 °C is essential for wellbeing and reproduction.

Enclosure (adult)

100 × 50 × 60 cm

A secure terrestrial/saxicolous terrarium for a venomous species: lockable closure, front opening, a stack of stable stones (placed on the floor, never on loose substrate that could collapse), low branches and multiple hides.

Minimum dimensions for one adult; enlarge for a pair. Safety (locks, a two-person opening protocol, a hook and a restraint box) takes precedence over everything: an escape is a public danger. Ample ventilation.

Humidity

40–60 %

A rather dry environment but with a more humid microclimate under the hides; a slight rise during sheds. Avoid stagnant humidity.

Substrate

Non-clumping topsoil/sandHeath soilFine gravelFlat stones

A free-draining soil-sand type mix with rocky areas and a few leaves/bark; avoid dusty or overly damp substrates.

UVB

Recommended

Low to moderate UVB recommended (UV index 1-2, Ferguson zone 2 type) for this diurnal species that basks in the sun; it improves calcium metabolism. Provide shaded areas.

Water source

Always available

A bowl of clean water available at all times, renewed regularly; the animal drinks and may bathe in it before shedding.

Origin

Viperidae

South-eastern Europe and Asia Minor: north-eastern Italy, the Balkans, Greece, as far as Austria and Hungary, Turkey and the Caucasus. Occupies sunny rocky slopes, scree, dry-stone walls and garrigue.

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore (ambush predator) — Rodents, birds and lizards; juveniles feed mainly on small lizards and sometimes invertebrates.

A very effective ambush predator. Feed dead (thawed) prey of a suitable size; adults every 10-14 days, juveniles more often. Handling ONLY with a hook/tongs, never by hand.

Breeding

Viviparous

Reproduction is triggered by a winter brumation. Neonates, already venomous and independent, are born in late summer/autumn. Gravid females are more irritable; there is a risk of dystocia.

Health watch points

Respiratory infections (poor ventilation or temperatures that are too low)
Stomatitis (mouth rot) often linked to stress or trauma
Mites and parasites (common in wild specimens)
Dysecdysis (difficult sheds) from inadequate humidity
Dystocia/egg retention in breeding females

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 3 documented genes and 1 named combos for Nose-horned Viper.

Albino (T-) amelanisticRec
Melanistic (Black) black adderDom
Axanthic (Hypothetical)Rec

Named combos — 1 documented combined morphs

Snow

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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Nose-horned Viper × Nose-horned Viper

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the nose-horned viper.

How big does an adult Nose-horned Viper get?▾

An adult Nose-horned Viper typically measures 60–90 cm (medium size; records beyond 100 cm. total adult length. females are often larger and brownish, males smaller, grey and with a highly contrasting black pattern.).

What temperature and humidity does a Nose-horned Viper need?▾

A gradient of roughly 20–24 °C on the cool side to 26–30 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 32–35 °C. Humidity 40–60 %.

What does a Nose-horned Viper eat?▾

Carnivore (ambush predator): Rodents, birds and lizards; juveniles feed mainly on small lizards and sometimes invertebrates..

Is the Nose-horned Viper a good reptile for beginners?▾

Expert level. Generally lethargic and slow-moving, relying first on its exceptional camouflage. When threatened, it hisses very loudly and strikes with great speed. A VENOMOUS SPECIES that is medically dangerous: to be reserved for expert keepers who are trained and legally authorised. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 10–20 yrs.

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