Chinese mountain pit viper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chinese mountain pit viper |
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Ovophis
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| Species: |
monticola
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The Chinese mountain pit viper, also known as Ovophis monticola, is a type of venomous snake. It's a pitviper found in different parts of Asia. Scientists currently recognize a few types, or subspecies, of this snake. Some recent studies suggest that some of these might actually be their own separate species.
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About the Chinese Mountain Pit Viper
What Does This Snake Look Like?
Male Chinese mountain pit vipers can grow up to about 49 centimeters (19 inches) long. Females are much larger, reaching up to 110 centimeters (43 inches) in total length. Their tails are shorter, with males having tails around 8 cm (3 inches) and females around 15 cm (6 inches).
The snake's head has a short snout. The top of its head is covered with many small scales. These scales are usually smooth. The body of the snake is quite thick. Its body scales are smooth or slightly bumpy. They are arranged in 23 to 25 rows around the middle of its body.
Other Names for This Snake
This snake has several common names. People often call it the mountain pitviper or mountain viper. Other names include Chinese pit viper and spotted pit viper. In some areas, it's known as the Arisan habu. In Bengali, it's called পাহাড়ী বোড়া.
Where Do These Snakes Live?
The Chinese mountain pit viper lives across many countries in Asia. You can find it in Nepal, India (including areas like Assam and Sikkim), and Bangladesh. It also lives in Myanmar, China (in provinces like Zhejiang and Yunnan), and Cambodia. Other places where it's found include Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, West Malaysia, and Indonesia (specifically on the island of Sumatra).
Different Types of Mountain Pit Vipers
Scientists have identified different types, or subspecies, of the Chinese mountain pit viper. Each subspecies might have slightly different features or live in specific areas.
| Subspecies | Scientific Name Author | Common Name | Where It Lives |
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| O. m. monticola | (Günther, 1864) | Mountain pitviper | Bangladesh (Chittagong Hill Tracts), China (Sichuan, Tibet, Yunnan), India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, West Bengal), Myanmar (Chin, Kachin, Shan States), and Nepal. |
| O. m. makazayazaya | (Takahashi, 1922) | Taiwanese mountain pitviper | Taiwan (Majia, Pingtung, Chiayi Alishan), China (Southeast), Vietnam. |
| O. m. zhaokentangi | Zhao, 1995 | Gaoligong mountain pitviper | Goaligong Shan, north of Pianma, Lushui County, Yunnan Province, China. |
Understanding Their Venom
The Chinese mountain pit viper is a venomous snake. Its venom is thought to affect blood, possibly causing bleeding or issues with blood clotting. While bites can be serious, information about its venom is still being studied. It's important to always be careful around any wild snake.
