The horned viper, also known as a cerastes or a sand viper, is a venomous snake native to North Africa and the Middle East. Its name is derived from the horn-like scales above its eyes, which distinguish it from other vipers. However, there are several other synonyms for the horned viper, including the Saharan horned viper, the desert horned viper, the sidewinder, and the Egyptian carpet viper. These variants are often used interchangeably in scientific literature and are commonly associated with their indigenous regions. Despite its fearsome reputation, the horned viper plays an important role in its ecosystem as both predator and prey.