How does Cerastes vipera generally differ in appearance from Cerastes cerastes?
Answer
Lacks the prominent horns above each eye
When comparing the sand viper (*Cerastes vipera*) with its closely related counterpart, the horned viper (*Cerastes cerastes*), the most obvious physical distinction lies on the head. The *Cerastes cerastes* possesses a small, distinct horn situated above each eye, which lends it its common name. In contrast, the *Cerastes vipera* generally lacks these prominent structures, or they may be extremely reduced to an unnoticeable state. This structural difference is an important visual marker for field identification, even though both species share similar arid habitats and rely heavily on camouflage and sidewinding techniques to thrive in the desert.
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