Russell's viper
A species of Daboia, Also known as Indian russell's viper, Seven pacer, Scissors snake Scientific name : Daboia russelii Genus : Daboia
Russell's viper, A species of Daboia
Also known as:
Indian russell's viper, Seven pacer, Scissors snake
Scientific name: Daboia russelii
Genus: Daboia
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Ashish Sehgal , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) is a species of venomous snake in the family Viperidae. Daboia is a monotypic genus of venomous Old World vipers. The single member species, D. russelii, is found in Asia throughout the Indian subcontinent, much of Southeast Asia, southern China and Taiwan. The species was named in honor of Patrick Russell (1726â1805), a Scottish herpetologist who first described many of India's snakes, and the name of the genus is from the Hind
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Russell's viper is primarily a carnivorous species with a diet greatly featuring small mammals and birds. Its hunting behavior leads it to feed mainly on rodents, shrews, and other ground birds, captured by using an ambush strategy.
Appearance
Russell's viper is a large snake with a robust, cylindrical body and keeled scales. It measures over 165 centimeters, with a powerful, tapered tail. The snake is generally brown, with three rows of distinct, black-centered, oval spots down its length. The ventral side is white or pale yellow. It lacks any significant features like horns or wings, but has a unique 'V' or 'U' shape pattern on its head. There are no notable differences between genders or age groups.
Behavior
Russell's viper is primarily a solitary, nocturnal creature. Notable for its sit-and-wait hunting technique, it remains immobile, blending with the environment until prey passes by. Striking rapidly when prey is within reach, injecting potent venom. Mating disputes among males can lead to 'combats' demonstrating subtle physical prowess rather than aggression.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Ashish Sehgal , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Daboia Species
Russell's viper