and they rarely exceed 60 or 70 cm’s although females may possibly grow to 1 metre. They are frequently mistaken to be one of the different vipers to be found in France, hence its name from the French "Vipére". Their head is clearly distinct from their body being wider with a flat top and sides, a rather pointed nose and eyes with round pupils! At the back of their head are two lines, which can be clearly seen, in the form of a "V" the open part of the "V" at the rear although this may vary a little. The colouring is extremely variable, olive greens, greenish brown, yellowish brown, greys, yellowish orange and reddish browns. On its back are two rows of dark lines, angled backwards, which are often joined together to give the impression of a zigzag pattern. Some may present with a more spotted appearance.
