Central Asian Pit Viper-Gloydius Intermedius
Central Asian pit viper is a venomous pitviper species endemic to northern Asia. Three subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here. Central Asian Pit Viper The Central Asian pit viper, with a cadre of closely related and widely distributed subspecies and species, has raised considerable confusion about its taxonomic classification. The snake has "been the subject of considerable taxonomic instability..." as one authority said. It varies in pattern and color within the specific species. According to some sources, it attacks aggressively, posing a serious danger. According to others, it withdraws timidly, posing little danger. Its venom composition may vary with its locality -- highly toxic according to some, mildly toxic according to others -- posing problems in designing treatment for bites. It has several different common names, for instance, Central Asian viper, Asiatic pit viper, Mongolian pit viper, mamushi and Amur viper, and it