Main differences between Vipera aspis aspis and Vipera aspis zinnikeri
1- Size: Vipera aspis aspis is slightly larger than
Vipera aspis zinnikeri.
2- Colouration: The zigzag pattern is thicker in
Vipera aspis zinnikeri. The ground colour is more variable in the
zinnikeri subspecies.
3- Head: The tip of the snout is less prominent in
Vipera aspis zinnikeri. The frontal and parietals are more fragmented in
Vipera aspis aspis.
4- Pholidosis: The number of subcaudals is lower in the
zinnikeri subspecies. The number of scale rows between the eye and the supralabials is more variable in
Vipera aspis zinnikeri (1, 1,5 or 2 rows) while
Vipera aspis aspis usually has two rows.
5- Venom: The venom of
Vipera aspis zinnikeri is two to four times more toxic than that of
Vipera aspis aspis.