Mangshan Pit Viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) Fact Sheet: Reproduction & Development

• Not studied in wild

(Gumprecht et al. 2002)

• Eggs laid on ground in leaf litter
• Females aggressively guard their eggs in the nest

• 49-51 days (in managed care) (Gumprecht et al. 2002)
• Most pit vipers are live bearers (Zug 1993) (Lynch 2009), but Mangshan pit vipers lay eggs
• Up to 27 eggs - diameter 30 mm (1.2 in)

Eggs (Gumprecht et al. 2002)

• As large as small chicken eggs but with soft leathery shell
• Weigh: up to 40 g (1.4 oz)
• Length: to 77 X 33.9 mm (3.0 X 1.3 in)

Hatchlings

• Weigh: average 28-38 g (1-1.3 oz)
• 40 cm (16 in) total length
• In managed care, shed first skin on day 14 (Gumprecht et al. 2002)

 Young

•  Juveniles are "as wide as a thumb" (Chen 1990, translated in David & Tong 1997) 

Adults

•  Dark color becomes dominant in adult. (David & Tong 1997)

Wild populations

• Not reported

Managed care

• No AZA estimates

• Young may be vulnerable to predation

Female Mangshan pit vipers are protective of their nests.

Many pit vipers give live birth, but this species lays eggs.

Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.

Boyer (2010)
Chen (1990), translated in David & Tong (1997)
David & Tong (1997)
Gumprecht et al. (2002)
Lynch (2009)
Zug (1993)