Short-Tailed Mamushi
Gloydius brevicaudus
A short, stout pit viper closely related to the Japanese mamushi, found across East Asia.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.7 m (1.6-2.3 ft)
- Range
- Eastern China, Korea, and parts of Russia
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Overview
The short-tailed mamushi is a small, thick-bodied pit viper distributed across eastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and adjacent areas of Russia. It is a close relative of the Japanese mamushi and shares similar habits and habitat preferences.
It is a medically significant snake within parts of its range due to its tendency to occur near agricultural land and rural settlements.
How to identify it
- Grayish-brown to reddish-brown body with dark, paired dorsal blotches
- Short, stout tail giving rise to the common name
- Broad, triangular head distinct from the neck
- Vertically elliptical pupils
- Keeled scales
- Distinguished from other Gloydius species by proportionally shorter tail and specific range
Habitat & range
Inhabits grasslands, agricultural fields, forest edges, and rocky hillsides across eastern China, Korea, and the Russian Far East.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Mostly active at dusk and during the day in cooler seasons, becoming more nocturnal in summer heat. Preys on rodents, frogs, and insects. Gives live birth rather than laying eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the short-tailed mamushi the same as the Japanese mamushi?
No, it is a closely related but distinct species found on the Asian mainland rather than in Japan.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous pit viper capable of causing significant bites.
Where is it found?
It occurs in eastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and parts of the Russian Far East.
What does it eat?
Rodents, frogs, and insects are common prey items.
Short-Tailed Mamushi guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Short-Tailed Mamushi.
