Eastern Russell's Viper
Daboia siamensis
A medium to large, heavy-bodied viper found across Southeast Asia, closely related to the Indian Russell's Viper and responsible for significant snakebite incidence in its range.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1.0-1.5 m (3.3-4.9 ft)
- Range
- Southeast Asia, southern China, Taiwan, and parts of Indonesia (Java)
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Overview
The Eastern Russell's Viper is a medically significant venomous snake distributed across mainland Southeast Asia, southern China, Taiwan, and parts of Indonesia. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the Indian Russell's Viper before being recognized as a distinct species.
It is a heavy-bodied, patterned viper commonly encountered in agricultural and rural landscapes, where it plays a significant ecological role as a rodent predator.
How to identify it
- Light brown to tan background color with three rows of dark, ring-like blotches edged in black and white
- Heavy, stout body with a distinct triangular head
- Rough, keeled scales
- Vertically elliptical pupils
- Prominent hissing sound when threatened
- Distinguished from other regional vipers by the characteristic chain-like dorsal blotch pattern
Habitat & range
Found in grasslands, scrublands, agricultural fields, and open forest across mainland Southeast Asia, southern China, and parts of Indonesia, often near human settlements where rodents are abundant.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal but sometimes active during cooler daylight hours. Known for a loud hiss when disturbed. Feeds mainly on rodents, making it beneficial in agricultural pest control. Gives birth to live young, with relatively large litters.
Frequently asked questions
How dangerous is the Eastern Russell's Viper?
It is a medically significant venomous species responsible for a substantial number of snakebite cases in its range.
How can it be identified?
Look for the chain-like pattern of dark, ring-shaped blotches edged in black and white on a tan background.
Where is it found?
It occurs across mainland Southeast Asia, southern China, Taiwan, and parts of Indonesia.
What does it eat?
Primarily rodents, making it ecologically important for pest control.
Eastern Russell's Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Eastern Russell's Viper.
