Dangerous Pit Viper - Sakishima Habu

 Sakishima habu is a species of medium-sized, stout-bodied, venomous snake endemic to Japan. The species is mainly nocturnal and terrestrial. Currently, there are no recognized subspecies of this species.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Subphylum: Vertebrata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Squamata
• Suborder: Serpentes
• Family: Viperidae
• Subfamily: Crotalinae
• Genus: Trimeresurus
• Scientific Name: Trimeresurus elegans

Other Names

Sakishima Habu 's other names are Elegant Pit viper, Elegant Tree Viper.

Length

This pit viper can grow to 50 – 90 cm; larger specimens may be more than 100 cm.

Coloration

This pit viper has brown covered with dark brown zig-zag pattern.

Distribution

Sakishima Habu is found in Japan in the southern Ryukyu Islands. 

Habitat

This pit viper prefers moist or wet forest edges, also found near cultivated crops and human habitations

Diet

It feeds on small mammals, lizards, frogs.

Hibernation Fact

Does not undergo proper hibernation during the winter.

Venom Fact

Venomous. Sakishima Habu Snake Bite can take place when one comes into contact with the venomous snake, usually unintentionally or inadvertently.

The venom is hemotoxic and can cause bleeding and coagulation defects; the severity of symptoms though, depend on a combination of factors such as the size of the snake and the health of the individual bitten.

Mode of Reproduction

Oviparous (egg laying)