Vipera ammodytes
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Subkingdom: | Eumetazoa |
| Superphylum: | Deuterostomia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Infraphylum: | Gnathostomata |
| Superclass: | Tetrapoda |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Superorder: | Lepidosauria |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Subfamily: | Viperinae |
| Genus: | Vipera |
Vipera ammodytes is a venomous viper species found in southern Europe through to the Balkans and parts of the Middle East. It is reputed to be the most dangerous of the European vipers due to its large size, long fangs (up to 13 mm) and high venom toxicity. The specific name, ammodytes, is derived from the Greek words ammos, meaning "sand", and dutes, meaning "burrower" or "diver"; not a very good name for an animal that actually prefers rocky habitats.
Common name(s): Horned viper, long-nosed viper, nose-horned viper, sand viper, Sand adder, Common sand adder, Common sand viper, Sand natter
Synonym(s): Coluber Ammodytes, Vipera Illyrica
Common name(s): Horned viper, long-nosed viper, nose-horned viper, sand viper, Sand adder, Common sand adder, Common sand viper, Sand natter
Synonym(s): Coluber Ammodytes, Vipera Illyrica
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