Causus

Causus
Common night adder, C. rhombeatus
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Viperidae
Subfamily: Viperinae
Genus: Causus
Wagler, 1830
Species
Synonyms
  • Causus Wagler, 1830
  • Distichurus Hallowell, 1842
  • Heterophis W. Peters, 1862
  • Dinodipsas W. Peters, 1882

Causus is a genus of vipers found only in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a group considered to be among the most primitive members of the family Viperidae based on head scalation, oviparity, venom apparatus, and because they have round pupils. However, this is contradicted by recent molecular studies. Seven species are currently recognized as being valid. They are commonly known as night adders. Like all other vipers, they are venomous.