Russell’s viper is a species of venomous snake found in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and southern parts of China and Taiwan. The species is terrestrial and nocturnal particularly during hot weather. However, the snake changes its behavior during cool weather and becomes more active during the day.
Kingdom |
Animalia |
Phylum |
Chordata |
Subphylum |
Vertebrata |
Class |
Reptilia |
Order |
Squamata |
Suborder |
Serpentes |
Family |
Viperidae |
Subfamily |
Viperinae |
Genus |
Daboia |
Scientific Name |
Daboia russelii |
Other Names |
Chain Viper, Indian Russell’s viper, common Russell’s viper, seven pacer, chain snake, scissors snake |
Length |
Up to 166 cm (5.5 ft) |
Color |
Deep yellow, tan, or brown upper surface with three series of dark brown spots running along the length of the body, each spot has a black ring around it, the outer border of which has a rim of white or yellow; distinct dark patches on the head, one on each temple; a dark streak appears behind the eye bordered with white, pink or buff; white, whitish, yellowish, or pinkish underside often with non-uniform scattering of dark spots |
Distribution |
India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Tibet, Pakistan, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Cambodia |
Habitat |
Open, grassy or bushy areas, second growth forests (scrub jungles), forested plantations, farmland, plains, coastal lowlands |
Diet |
Rodents, squirrels, shrews, land crabs, scorpions, birds, lizards, frogs |
Venom Fact |
Venomous |
Breeding Season |
April to July |
Mode of Reproduction |
Ovoviviparous (producing young ones by means of eggs hatched inside the body of the parent) |
Litter Size |
20 to 40 young |
Gestation Period |
More than 6 months |
Reproductive Age |
2 to 3 years of age |
Average Lifespan |
Up to 15 years in captivity |
IUCN Conservation Status |
Least Concern |
Russell’s Viper Pictures Gallery
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Chain Viper
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Daboia Russelii
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Indian Russell’s Viper
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Russel Viper Snake
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Russel Viper
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Russell Viper Bite
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Russell Viper Pictures
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Russell Viper Venom
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Russell Viper
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Russell’s Viper Images
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Russells Viper Snake
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Russells Viper
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Russell’s Viper
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Russels Viper