Japanese Mamushi
Gloydius blomhoffii
A small but medically significant pit viper widespread across Japan, responsible for the majority of the country's venomous snakebites.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.45-0.8 m (1.5-2.6 ft)
- Range
- Japan, including Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and parts of Korea
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Overview
The Japanese Mamushi is a compact pit viper found throughout much of Japan's main islands, where it is the most commonly encountered venomous snake. Despite its relatively small size, it is of considerable medical importance due to its widespread distribution near human settlements.
The species has a long history in Japanese folklore and remains a familiar part of rural Japanese wildlife.
How to identify it
- Grayish-brown to reddish-brown body with a series of dark-edged, light-centered oval blotches down the back
- Stout, relatively short body compared to other pit vipers
- Broad, triangular head with vertical pupils
- Heat-sensing pits between eye and nostril
- Keeled scales giving a rough texture
- Distinguished from other Japanese snakes by blotch pattern and pit viper head shape
Habitat & range
Found in a wide range of habitats including forests, grasslands, rice paddies, riverbanks, and rocky hillsides throughout Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, as well as parts of the Korean Peninsula.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal but may be active during cooler daylight hours, especially in spring and autumn. Feeds on rodents, frogs, and small lizards. Reproduction is viviparous, with females giving birth to live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Japanese Mamushi venomous?
Yes, it is venomous and causes the majority of snakebites in Japan.
Where is the Japanese Mamushi found?
Across Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and parts of the Korean Peninsula.
How big is the Japanese Mamushi?
It is relatively small, typically 0.45-0.8 m in length.
Does the Japanese Mamushi lay eggs?
No, it is viviparous and gives birth to live young.
Japanese Mamushi guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Japanese Mamushi.
