Sichuan Lancehead
Protobothrops sichuanensis
A terrestrial pit viper native to Sichuan Province, China, part of the Protobothrops group of Asian lanceheads.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Sichuan Province, China
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Overview
The Sichuan lancehead is a member of the genus Protobothrops, a group of Asian pitvipers characterized by robust bodies and often striking patterns. It is found in the mountainous terrain of Sichuan Province in central China.
It occupies forested and rocky habitats, hunting small mammals and other prey using heat-sensing facial pits.
How to identify it
- Brown or grayish base color with darker crossbands or blotches
- Triangular head distinct from neck
- Vertically elliptical pupils
- Keeled scales
- Robust body compared to slender arboreal green pitvipers
- Distinguished from related Protobothrops species by locality and pattern details
Habitat & range
Found in forested mountain slopes and rocky terrain of Sichuan Province, China, at moderate to high elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and largely terrestrial or semi-arboreal, sheltering in rock crevices or under vegetation by day. Feeds on small mammals and other vertebrates. Ambush predator using heat-sensing pits. Reproduction is viviparous.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sichuan lancehead venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous pit viper.
Where is it found?
In Sichuan Province, China, in mountainous terrain.
What genus does it belong to?
It belongs to the genus Protobothrops, the Asian lanceheads.
What does it eat?
Small mammals and other small vertebrates.
Sichuan Lancehead guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Sichuan Lancehead.
