It is reputed to be the most dangerous of the European vipers due to its large size, long fangs (up to 13 mm) and high venom toxicity.

In one field study on Golem Grad island (in North Macedonia), for example, females averaged 35 cm., and males at 37 cm.

In southern subspecies, the horn sits vertically upright, while in V. a. Ammodytes it points diagonally forward.

Males have a characteristic dark blotch or V marking on the back of the head that often connects to the dorsal zigzag pattern.

A row of indistinct, dark (occasionally yellowish) spots runs along each side, sometimes joined in a wavy band.

Ground color is variable, and tends more towards browns and bronzes; grayish-brown, reddish-brown, copper, "dirty cream", or brick red.

[10] In Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Serbia, a common name used for this snake is poskok (поскок), meaning 'jumper'.

North-eastern Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Greece (including Cyclades), southern Austria, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia and Syria.

Sometimes found in areas of human habitation, such as railway embankments, farmland, and especially vineyards if rubble piles and stone walls are present.

At lower altitudes, it may be found at any time of the day, becoming increasingly nocturnal as daytime temperatures rise.

[12] Adults generally feed on small mammals and birds, whilst juveniles predominantly eat lizards.

[5] Mating takes place in the spring (April–May), and one to twenty live young are born in late summer or fall (August–October).

The venom can be quite toxic [based on tests conducted solely on mice], but varies over time and among different populations.

Bites promote symptoms typical of viperid envenomation, such as pain, swelling and discoloration, all of which may be immediate.

[5] Vipera ammodytes venom is used in the production of antivenin for the bite of other European vipers and the snake is farmed for this purpose.

Subsequently, George Albert Boulenger described a number of subspecies in the early 20th century that are still mostly recognized today.

[5] One additional subspecies that may be encountered in literature is V. a. ruffoi (Bruno, 1968),[5] found in the Alpine region of Italy.

[5] It tolerates captivity much better than other European vipers, thriving in most surroundings and usually taking food easily from the start.

[14] However, as far as handling is concerned, despite its relatively placid reputation, pinning and necking this snake can be risky, as they are relatively strong and can unexpectedly jerk free from a keeper's grasp.