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Home > Snakes > Mamushi

Mamushi

Mamushi is a highly venomous snake found in Japan, China and Korea. The pit viper species is one of the most venomous snakes in Japan. There are four subspecies of this species.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Subphylum Vertebrata
    Class Reptilia
    Order Squamata
    Suborder Serpentes
    Family Viperidae
    Subfamily Crotalinae
    Genus Gloydius
    Scientific Name Gloydius blomhoffii


    Other Names Japanese moccasin, Japanese pit viper,  Japanese mamushi
    Length 45–81 cm; largest recorded specimen measures 91 cm
    Color Pale gray, yellow-brown, or reddish-brown background color with uneven patches on the sides, patches have black borders often with lighter centers; dark brown or black head with pale-gray or beige flanks
    Distribution China, Japan, Korea
    Habitat Swamps, marshes, open woodland, meadows, montane rock outcroppings, rocky hillsides
    Diet Rodents, small birds, lizards, insects
    Hibernation Fact Hibernate during winter
    Venom Fact Venom consists of mainly haemolytic toxins and also neurotoxins
    Breeding Season August – September
    Mode of Reproduction Viviparous (giving birth to live young)
    Litter Size 2 to 13 young
    Reproductive Age 3 years of age in case of males
    Average Lifespan More than 10 years in captivity

    Mamushi Pictures Gallery

    Published on January 19th 2017 by under Snakes. Article was last reviewed on 13th June 2019.

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