The bitis gabonica gabonica, which is on average about 130 cm long, is spread in East Africa and is the nominat form  of two Gabunvipers. It differs from the bitis gabonica rhinoceros in missing out on the striking and prominent nose horns. Also the bitis gabonica gabonica again in contrast to the bitis gabonica rhinoceros has on both sides only one eye spot directly below the eye. Among very large specimen the poison teeth of the bitis gabonica gabonica can reach a length of up to 4 cm and are exceeded in length by the generally bigger bitis gabonica rhinoceros. The waylaying hunter waits in the undergrowth and foliage for passing prey to hit with lightning speed. For this her markings are its best camouflage; the brown variations are as characteristic as the "hour glass" shapes on its back.

The animals in the photographs have been bred and have developed their "light" and "dark" marks over generations.
 

Gaboon adder - bitis gabonica gabonica - a "dark" variation

Gaboon adder - bitis gabonica gabonica - a "light" variation

Color variations of the Gaboon adders -bitis gabonica gabonica - become distinct in a direct comparison