Guangxi Pit Viper
Ovophis tonkinensis
A stout forest pit viper found in the karst and montane forests of southern China and northern Vietnam.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.7 m (1.3-2.3 ft)
- Range
- Guangxi and neighboring provinces in southern China, extending into northern Vietnam
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Overview
The Guangxi Pit Viper is another member of the Ovophis pit viper group inhabiting the forested hills and karst terrain of southern China, extending into adjacent parts of northern Vietnam. It shares the compact, heavy build typical of this genus.
It remains relatively poorly studied in the wild, with most records coming from forested slopes and limestone hill country.
How to identify it
- Robust body with a short tail
- Dorsal ground color typically brown to olive with darker, often blotched or crossbanded markings
- Broad, triangular head distinct from the neck, bearing heat-sensing facial pits
- Vertically elliptical pupils
- Keeled scales producing a rough-textured dorsum
- Differentiated from closely related pit vipers mainly by geographic range and subtle scalation differences
Habitat & range
Inhabits subtropical forested hills and karst limestone landscapes in southern China and northern Vietnam, generally at moderate elevations. Found among leaf litter, rock crevices, and forest floor cover.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and terrestrial, sheltering by day under rocks, logs, or leaf litter in forested terrain. Feeds on small mammals and other small vertebrates encountered on the forest floor. Believed to be oviparous like other members of its genus.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Guangxi Pit Viper dangerous?
It is venomous, but like most secretive forest pit vipers, bites to humans are uncommon.
Where is the Guangxi Pit Viper found?
In forested and karst hill country of Guangxi and neighboring regions of southern China, extending into northern Vietnam.
What genus does this species belong to?
It belongs to Ovophis, a group of Asian pit vipers known for egg-laying reproduction.
What habitat does it prefer?
Forested hills and limestone karst terrain with abundant leaf litter and rock cover.
Guangxi Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Guangxi Pit Viper.
