Fan Si Pan Horned Pit Viper
Ovophis zayuensis
A stout mountain pit viper with small hornlike scales above the eyes, found in high-elevation forests of the Fan Si Pan region.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.6 m (1.3-2 ft)
- Range
- Northern Vietnam (Fan Si Pan mountain region)
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Overview
The Fan Si Pan horned pit viper is a stout, terrestrial pitviper found in the high mountains of northern Vietnam, named for the Fan Si Pan massif, Vietnam's highest peak. It belongs to the Ovophis group of ground-dwelling Asian pitvipers.
Its small hornlike scales above the eyes give it a distinctive appearance among Southeast Asian pitvipers, and it is adapted to the cool montane conditions of high-elevation forest.
How to identify it
- Stout body compared to slender green pitvipers
- Brownish or grayish coloration with darker blotching
- Small hornlike raised scales above each eye
- Triangular head, vertical pupils
- Keeled scales
- Distinguished from other regional pitvipers by hornlike supraocular scales
Habitat & range
Found in montane forest at high elevations in the Fan Si Pan mountain region of northern Vietnam, typically on the forest floor among leaf litter.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily terrestrial and nocturnal, sheltering under leaf litter and logs by day. Feeds on small mammals, frogs, and lizards. Ambush predator using heat-sensing pits. Viviparous reproduction.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called 'horned'?
Because of the small hornlike raised scales above each eye.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous pit viper.
Where is it found?
In the high-elevation forests of the Fan Si Pan mountain region of northern Vietnam.
Is it arboreal?
No, it is primarily terrestrial, found on the forest floor.
Fan Si Pan Horned Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Fan Si Pan Horned Pit Viper.
