Beauty runs in the family (Bitis nasicornis)

Next up in my list of strikingly beautiful snakes is the Rhinoceros Viper.

It is a close relative of the gaboon adder and even has similar patterning.

It gets its name from the multiple horns on its snout.

The Gaboon also has small horns (which are more pronounced in the West African Gaboon Viper) but the rhino vipers are substantially larger.

At least this rhino won't get poached for its horn.

As with all snakes coloration is variable, here are two side by side for comparison to illustrate the point.

Some specimens even have striking amounts of red in them.

They have a much rougher appearance than the gaboon adder due to their keeled scales (the ridge in the center of the scale)

They are a forest species from West and Central Africa.

This beasties venom has a neurotoxic (affects nerves) and hemotoxic component which destroys blood vessels and leads to internal bleeding.

Not something you what to get bitten by!

Thank heavens because of its limited range few bites are reported and the known cases come from snake keepers and handlers.

And then you get "Darwin Award Candidates" that do this.

Its like juggling live hand grenades.