Echis (common names: saw-scaled vipers, carpet vipers) is a genus of vipers found in the dry regions of Africa, the Middle East, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They have a characteristic threat display, rubbing sections of their body together to produce a 'sizzling' warning sound. The name Echis is the Latin transliteration of the Greek word for 'viper' (ἔχις). Like all vipers, they are venomous. Their common name is 'saw-scaled vipers' and they include some of the species responsible for causing the most snakebite cases and deaths in the world. Twelve species are currently recognized. Saw-scaled vipers are relatively small snakes, the largest species (E. leucogaster, E. pyramidum) usually below 90 cm (35 in) long, and the smallest (E. hughesi, E. jogeri) being around 30 cm (12 in). The head is relatively small and is short, wide, pear-shaped and distinct from the neck. The snout is short and rounded, while the eyes are relatively large and the body is moderately slender and cylindrical. The dorsal scales are mostly keeled. However, the scales on the lower flanks stick out at a distinct 45° angle and have a central ridge, or keel, that is serrated (hence the common name). The tail is short and the subcaudals are single. A saw-scaled viper of the genus Echis may be responsible for biblical claims of a fiery flying serpent. (Source: Wikipedia.org, CC BY-SA)