Dear Readers,
This fact sheet, like a snake, is about to slough its skin. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is working to bring you an updated version of the Mangshan Pit Viper Fact Sheet with new science and conservation information. Thanks for your patience, as we crawl among the treetops (yes, this pit viper climbs very well) to bring you new facts. Please check back soon. SDZWA team members can email questions to library@sdzwa.org.
Body measurements
Attribute | Measurement | |
---|---|---|
Weight | 3-5 kg (7-10 lb), or more, for an adult | |
Length | Up to 203 cm (up to 6.66 ft) |
Body scales of a Mangshan pit viper.
Protective melanin pigment accumulates in scales around the snake's venom glands. This prevents the venom from degrading in sunlight.
Image credit: © San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.
Boyer (2010)
Chen (1990), translated in David & Tong (1997)
Daltry et al. (1996)
Daltry et al. (1997)
Gumprecht et al. (2002)
Hayes et al. (2002)
Mebs et al. (2006)
Pough et al. (1978)
Pough & Groves (1983)
Zug (1993)