Description
The average length is 30–60 cm (0.98–2.0 ft), with a maximum of 85 cm (33 in). Females are larger than males.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of this species are the supraorbital horns, one over each eye. However, these may be reduced in size or absent (see Cerastes). The eyes are prominent and set on the side of the head. There is significant sexual dimorphism, with males having larger heads and larger eyes than females. Compared to C. gasperettii, the relative head size of C. cerastes is larger and there is a greater frequency of horned individuals (13% versus 48% respectively).
The colour pattern consists of a yellowish, pale grey, pinkish, reddish or pale brown ground colour that almost always matches the substrate colour where the animal is found. Dorsally, a series of dark, semi-rectangular blotches run the length of the body. These may or may not be fused into crossbars. The belly is white and the tail may have a black tip, the tail is usually thin.
Read more about this topic: Cerastes Cerastes
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