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Gloydius himalayanus
The loreal pit identifies it as a pit viper; from other pit vipers by the presence of large shields instead of uniform small scales on top of head. Body stout, tapering to the anus, neck well marked. Head long and remarkably flat above. Eyes large with vertical pupil and gold flecked iris. Tail short with an elongate terminal shield. Dorsal scales dull and strongly ridged. - JC Daniel The Book of Indian Reptiles and Amphibians.
I found this one high up in the alpine meadows of Sarahan Bushair, Himachal Pradesh, India. Approx elevation of the area is 3400 to 3500 meters. Its habitat consisted of meadows interspersed with rocks and boulders. It was a snake of impressive size for a viper. Though it lacked the distinct head markings of other specimens, the loreal pit clearly indicates it to be a pit viper. The snake vigorously shakes its tail tip (like rattle snake) when handled or nervous. Its defense mechanism also involves spraying of foul odored and bitter tasting liquid, maybe from cloaca. (It had a bulls eyes into my mouth, and it was Yucky).
Spotted on Jun 1, 2012
Submitted on Jun 1, 2012
12 Comments
thank you Elsa :)
Fantastic picture of an awesome spotting!
Thank you NeilDazet. It's my pleasure to share all my spotting with the ones who hold the same interest and appreciation for these beautiful creations of nature like I do. I am part of the community. ;)
Superb spotting with informative info! Thanks for sharing this snake with the Project Noah community!
Thank you Harsha, Cyril and shrikalk. :)
Harsha, Sarahan Bushair is 3 hours in bus from Rampur. Right uphill from Jeori.
Awesome shot....
Great shot!
Awesome picture Chime. Was this at Rampur?
Thank you Gopal, Atul and Sachin. :)
Atul, I am in Himachal Pradesh these days. Trying out the high altitude biodiversity. ;)
Impressive spotting, nice capture,
super spotting my friend , where have you been :-)
nice find sir:)