Mountain Pit Viper

Mountain Pit Viper is a venomous pitviper species found in Asia. Currently, two subspecies are recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here. Recent taxonomic work suggests that most of these should be considered as separate species. IUCN has already evaluated O. m. makazayazaya as Ovophis makazayazaya.

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Reptilia
Order	Squamata
Family	Viperidae
Genus	Ovophis
Species	O. monticola
Suborder	Serpentes
Binomial Name	Ovophis monticola

Description

Ground body colour grey, with chocolate-brown blotches on dorsum, blotches are H-Shaped in the anterior half of dorsum. Two rows of alternating pale brown on lower flanks. A whitish Y-shaped marking extends from neck on to head. Ventrals greyish, with chocolate-brown markings. Body stocky. Head triangular, dark brown on top. Labials grey. A pale stripe from snout along labials to angle of jaw. Eyes small, with vertical slit-like pupils. A heat sensing pit between eye and nostril. Two large hinged fangs at the front of upper jaw. Tail tan, with a thin central line of white dots on top. Head scales granular. Dorsal scales weakly keeled.

Behavior

Active at night usually well hidden in rock crevices. The Mountain Pit Viper is an ambush predator that will wait in a single position ready to strike. They are a viper and have relatively long retractable fangs and will bite readily at anything that comes within range when hunting for food, but not actively aggressive when encountered by humans. Not prone to give chase but will hold their ground if they feel cornered, though will retreat quickly if the opportunity arises. A bite from a Mountain Pit Viper should be considered very serious and medical attention should be sought immediately. Although not known to be deadly serious damage can occur from a bite even if treated and complications can always arise.

Habitat

Found at high elevations in or around streams and rivers and generally more active in the colder months. The Mountain Pit Viper is exceedingly rare in Hong Kong and due to its proclivity to hide out in rock crevices it is extremely difficult to find. The winters in this viper’s habitat have many days of freezing temperatures. As colder days approach, Mountain Pit Vipers crawl into caves and under rock ledges. Scientists have found that the snakes that go the deepest have the best chance of surviving until spring.

Venom

Although Mountain Pit Vipers bite can deliver a deadly dose of venom, these snakes are shy most of the time. But a female will guard her nest of eggs carefully and bite any creature that tries to steal them.

Diet

Feeds on small mammals. In captivity young snakes accept frogs and lizards.

Reproduction

Oviparous. Lays 4-11 eggs. The female constructs a nest out of bamboo leaves and guards it.

One local female laid 4 eggs (2 unfertilized) in late June, which hatched in about 1 month. Hatchling 15 cm in total length.

Distribution

Currently known in Hong Kong from 13 specimens recorded since 1965, mainly from higher elevation.

This sub-species is found in southern China including Taiwan, and Vietnam.