E. hughesi grows to a total length (including tail) of about 21–32 cm (8.3–12.6 in). The head scalation is similar to that of E. pyramidum. Midbody, there are 24–25 dorsal scale rows. The ventrals number 144–149, and the subcaudals number 28–30. The color pattern varies, but generally consists of a series of pale, oblique, dorsal blotches set against a darker ground color.[3]
Geographic range
E. hughesi is found only in northern Somalia, in northern Migiurtinia, near Meledin.[1]
The type locality is listed as "Somalia, 10°02' [N lat.], 49° [E long.]".[2]
Migiurtinia was the name of a region, or gobolka, in Somalia that is currently known as Bari and occupies about 70,000 km2 (27,000 sq mi) of the tip of the Horn of Africa.[7]
^ abMallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G (2003). True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. 359 pp. ISBN0-89464-877-2.
Cherlin VA (1990). ["A taxonomic revision of the snake genus Echis (Viperidae). II. An analysis of taxonomy and description of new forms"]. [Proceedings of the Zoological Institute of Leningrad ] 207: 193–223. (Echis hughesi, new species). (in Russian).
Phelps T (2010). Old World Vipers: A natural history of the Azemiopinae and Viperinae. Frankfurt am Main Germany: Edition Chimaira. 558 pp. ISBN978-3899734706.
Spawls S, Mazuch T, Mohammad A (2023). Handbook of Amphibians and Reptiles of North-east Africa. London, Oxford, New York, New Delhi, Sydney: Bloomsbury Wildlife. 640 pp. ISBN978-1472991447.