Mamushi Pit Viper - Gloydius Blomhoffii

 Mamushi Pit Viper is a venomous pit viper species found in Japan and Russia. It is the most venomous snakes in Japan. Every year, around 2000-3000 people in Japan are bitten by a mamushi. The body pattern of these snakes consists of a pale gray, reddish-brown, or yellow-brown background, overlaid with a series of irregularly-shaped lateral blotches. These blotches are bordered with black and often have lighter centers. Their head is dark brown or black, with beige or pale-gray sides.
Other Names: Japanese moccasin, Japanese pit viper,  Japanese mamushi

Mamushi Pit Viper

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
SubphylumVertebrata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
SuborderSerpentes
FamilyViperidae
SubfamilyCrotalinae
GenusGloydius
Scientific NameGloydius blomhoffii

Distribution

Mamushi pit vipers are found in Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu islands in Japan, and Kunasir Island (the southernmost island of the Kuril Islands archipelago) in Russia. These snakes live in a range of habitats, including swamps, marshes, meadows, open woodland, grassland, rocky hillsides, and montane rock outcroppings. They are also often found in and around farmland due to the abundance of rodents.

Habits and Lifestyle

These snakes lead a solitary life. They are active during the day spending most of their time hiding and waiting for their prey to pass by. Mamushi are typically ambush predators that use their excellent camouflage to hide in vegetation or leaf litter.

Diet and Nutrition

Mamushi pit vipers are carnivores and feed mainly on rodents, but also small birds, lizards, and insects.

Mating Habits

Mamushi are viviparous snakes which means that they give birth to live young. Females usually reproduce in August-October and litter consists of 2 to 13 neonates. Young mamushi are born fully developed and become reproductively mature when they are 3-4 years old.

Population threats

There are no major threats to mamushi pit viper at present. However, these snakes are collected for commercial use and are killed because of fear.





 

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