cerastes
/səˈræstiz/
noun
- A genus of venomous vipers found in North Africa and the Middle East, known for having horn-like scales above the eyes.
- The cerastes is also called the horned viper because of the small horns above its eyes.
- A cerastes hides in the sand, waiting to ambush small prey.
- Desert travelers in North Africa are cautious of the cerastes, which is well camouflaged.