Vipera Aspis Snakes:The Asp

Those of us who have read about Cleopatra know that she died from the venom of an asp. Asps are known worldwide now, but one fact may not be all so known. Asps originated from the southern European countries. These reptilian animals did not originate from Egypt.

These snakes may have been driven or transported to Egypt, as it was their custom to collect species of animals from around the world. Some scholars speculate that as other snakes in the southern European countries became more populated in the territories of the asps, they were to eventually drive the asps further east and travel around the Mediterranean area, thus bringing them to Egypt. More than likely the transportation method is the cause of their move.

Asps are small to average size snakes growing up to an average of 30 inches (75 cm) in length. The average size of a newborn hatchling is seven to eight inches (18 to 20 cm). What makes them different to their close cousins is that they have smaller scales on their heads than others do.

Asps also come in a variety of colors. The most common are the green asps. They tend to actually be more of a lime-green with a muted yellow-white underbelly. Another more common one is the gray asp with dark brown or black half stripes on their back spaced in perfection from one to another. The distinctive mark of an asp is the well-known ridge running from one eyebrow to the other, and over the snout along the way. Their eyes are spaced about a third of the distance from the front of their head.

The climate these snakes tend to enjoy is that of spring and fall. The hot summers are when you will find them dormant as they hibernate from the extreme heat. It is during the spring, usually April to May, you will find these reptiles mating in large groups. The average snake will lay five to seventeen eggs during this time. In captivity that number will greatly decrease.