The Arabian Horned Viper (Cerastes gasperettii), like its close relatives in the Cerastes genus, has distinctive horn-like projections above each eye. These "horns" are not true horns but are made of modified scales, specifically enlarged supraocular scales (the scales above the eyes). They are composed of keratin, the same tough, fibrous protein found in reptile scales, and human fingernails.

Why does it have horns?

There are a few scientific theories about the function of these horns:

1. Camouflage and Disruption:
   The horns may help break up the outline of the head, improving the viper’s camouflage in sandy, rocky environments.

2. Eye Protection:
   The horns might act as miniature visors, offering some protection from blowing sand and intense desert sunlight, particularly when the snake is buried in the sand with only its eyes exposed.

3. Species Recognition:
   The horns could potentially aid in species recognition or be a trait selected through sexual selection, though this is less certain.

Interestingly, not all individuals of the species develop prominent horns — some are "hornless," and even within the same population, both horned and hornless forms may occur. This suggests the horns are useful but not essential, and their development may depend on genetic and environmental factors.