Russell’s Viper, which has the scientific name Daboia russelii, belongs to the family of venomous snakes called Viperidae, which is native to the subcontinent of India.
The name Russell’s Viper was given in honor of Patrick Russell, who was the first to write about it in 1796 in his work “An account of Indian serpents, collected on the Coromandel Coast.”
It is a common belief among herpetologists that another species of snake known as Gongylophis Conicus, a rough-scaled sand boa, has come to mimic the appearance of D. russelii.
This is because D. russelii has a dreadful reputation within its natural environment and has become so successful as a species.
A superficial look at the rough-scaled sand boa shows that its color pattern resembles that of D. russelii, although it causes no harm.
Scientific Classification
- Scientific Name: Daboia Russelii
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Suborder: Serpentes
- Family: Viperidae
- Genus: Daboia
- Species: D. russelii
Description
The maximum length Russell Viper can grow up to 5.5ft, while on mainland Asian populations, it measures up to an average of 4ft. On the average, Island populations might be slightly smaller. The Russell viper is more reduced and smaller in width than most vipers.
For a fair-sized specimen, the following dimensions were taken;
| Total length | 4 ft., 1 inch | 124cm |
| Length of tail | 7 inches | 18cm |
| Girth | 6 inches | 15cm |
| Width of head | 2 inches | 5cm |
| Length of head | 2 inches | 5cm |
- The Russell viper has a flat, triangular head distinct from the neck.
- It has a blunt, round snout, which is also raised.
- The nostrils are big, each in the middle of a single nasal scale. The supranasal scale is curved and separates from the nasorostral scale in an anterior direction.
- The top of the Russell viper’s head is covered with a strong fragment of irregular scales.
- The supra ocular scales are single, cramped, and separated by 6-9 scales across the head.
- It has large eyes blotted with gold or yellow, surrounded by 10-15 circumorbital scales.
- The two maxillary bones provide backup for up to 5 or 6 pairs of fangs.
- The coloration on the Russell viper’s body consists of yellow, tan, or brown ground color with three different dark brown spots that run through the length of the body, dorsally.
- The head comprises a pair of dark patches, one on each temple, and a salmon, brownish V or X, or pinkish marking, forming an apex towards the snout.
- It also has a venter blotted with yellowish, whitish, or pinkish, mostly with an irregular scattering of dark spots.
Distribution and Habitat
The Russell Viper is common in Bangladesh, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Pakistan, Nepal, India, Myanmar, China, Indonesia, and Taiwan. It can be found in some areas but rare in some areas, within its range. It is very common along the west coast of Punjab, India.
The Russell Viper is not confined to a particular habitat but is hardly found in dense habitats. It is commonly found in grass, bushy, and open areas. It is also widespread in coastal lowlands, hills, and plains, which are favorable habitats.
It tends to avoid swampy, marshy rainforests. The species of Russell Viper are attracted to urban areas because of the abundance of rodents, which are their main prey.
Those living in these areas are usually at a high risk of being attacked by these dangerous snakes.
Behavior
Russell Viper is always active primarily during the night and goes out to hunt for food as it is a terrestrial animal. Its behavior changes, especially during cold weather, thereby making it a day hunter and becoming very active during the day.
The adult Russell vipers are usually sluggish and slow, except when pushed to the limit, it becomes extremely aggressive. The young Russell vipers are usually scared and nervous.
When under threat, the Russell Viper tends to form a series of S-loops, then one-third of its body is raised as it produces a loud hiss far louder than other snakes.
The force a Russell Viper exerts when striking from its position could be so great that it can cause a huge individual to lift most of its body off the ground.
Sometimes, they hang onto their bites for seconds, which is more fatal, while their bite might be a snap.
Reproduction
Mating among Russell vipers usually occurs early in the year, but the pregnant ones are commonly seen at any time. The gestation period takes more than six months. Juveniles are usually bred from May to November but usually in June and July. The young ones usually measure up to 8.5-10.2 inches.
Venom
The amount of venom disseminated by a Russell Viper is moderate. Adult Russell vipers’ venom yields are reportedly 130-250mg to 150-250mg.
