Daboia siamensis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Daboia siamensis
Specimen from Thailand
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Daboia
Species:	siamensis
Synonyms
Vipera siamensis M.A. Smith, 1917 Coluber russelli siamensis — Ōshima, 1920 Vipera russelli limitis Mertens, 1927 Vipera russelli formosensis — Maki, 1931 Vipera russelii sublimitis Kopstein, 1936 Vipera russelii formosensis — Klemmer, 1963 Vipera russelii limitis — Klemmer, 1963 Vipera russelii siamensis — Klemmer, 1963 Viper russelli siamensis — Sakuragawa, 1979 Daboia (Daboia) russelli limitis — Obst, 1983 Daboia (Daboia) russelli siamensis — Obst, 1983 Vipera russelli siamensis — Nakada, Nakada, Ito & Inoue, 1984 Vipera russelli burmanus Muang Muang Aye In Gopalakrishnakone & Tan, 1987 Daboia russelli siamensis — Golay et al., 1993

The Daboia siamensis is a type of venomous snake that lives in parts of Southeast Asia, southern China, and Taiwan. It is also known as the eastern Russell's viper or Siamese Russell's viper. This snake was once thought to be a smaller group (a subspecies) of another snake, the Daboia russelii. But in 2007, scientists decided it was different enough to be its own species.

What Does It Look Like?

The Daboia siamensis has a pattern on its back that looks a lot like its relative, the D. russelii. However, its colors are usually more grayish or olive green. It has small spots that fit between the larger patterns on its back. The underside of its body, especially towards the tail, often has a grayish color.

Names for the Snake

This snake has a few common names. People often call it the eastern Russell's viper or the Siamese Russell's viper.

In the past, some of its groups (which are now all considered part of this one species) had different names. For example, the "Indonesian Russell's viper" and the "Formosan Russell's viper" were used before.

Where Does It Live?

You can find the Daboia siamensis in several countries. These include Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and parts of China (like Guangxi and Guangdong). It also lives in some areas of India, Taiwan, and Indonesia. In Indonesia, it has been seen on islands like Endeh, Flores, eastern Java, Komodo, and the Lomblen Islands.

Some reports also suggest it might live in Vietnam, Laos, and on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. However, scientists are still working to figure out exactly where all these snakes live in Indonesia.

Antivenom for Bites

If someone is bitten by a venomous snake like the Daboia siamensis, they might need antivenom. Antivenom is a special medicine that helps to stop the effects of the snake's venom. As of 2016, antivenoms for the Daboia siamensis were made in countries like India, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Images for kids

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  Daboia siamensis in its habitat, in Thailand