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05/28/02 |
      
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Description: Asian Pit Vipers like the other snakes in the Viperidae family have triangular heads that are much wider than the rest of the body. They get the name "Pit" from the pit-like holes on either side of the head between the nostril and eye which are small heat sensors. Reaching around 1.4 meters in length, these Vipers have slender or thick bodies depending on whether they are tree-dwelling vipers or tend to stay on the ground. The Asian kind are commonly brown with dark blotches, some however are green.
Habitat: Vipers as a whole are mostly tropical, however these particular Vipers are found in Asia, China and India. They live mostly in wooded, forest areas as most are tree dwellers. Diet: These venomous snakes hunt small mammals including rodents and birds. But will also hunt small lizards and other snakes.
Venom & Bite: Responsible for numerous human fatalities throughout Asia, the Viper's venom is highly hemotoxic causing swelling, blurred vision, headaches and sweating. These snakes are not vicious unless irritated as is with most snakes. Bites occur mostly in the upper extremities including the head, neck and shoulders. |
This site was last updated 05/28/02
