Saw-scaled Viper (or Carpet Viper)
Echis cf. carinatus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Viperinae, Genus: Echis, Species: Echis carinatus
Found across Parts of the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka), extending into parts of Africa (genus level). Specimen appears to be in an indoor or captive/accidental encounter setting.
Look up Saw-scaled Viper (or Carpet Viper) in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Viperinae, Genus: Echis, Species: Echis carinatus
Conservation
IUCN status: Least Concern. Generally wide-ranging and common, but threatened locally by habitat destruction and persecution.
Physical Description
Short, stout body with a pear-shaped head distinct from the neck. Features a characteristic 'white trident' or cruciform mark on the head, rounded snout, and vertically elliptical pupils. Dorsal scales are strongly keeled; coloration is tan or reddish-brown with a series of white, dark-edged circular or 'saddle' spots along the spine.
Size & Dimensions
This specimen appears to be a juvenile or sub-adult, roughly 20-30 cm in length. Adults typically range from 30 to 80 cm, making them relatively small but deadly.
Habitat
Arid to semi-arid regions, including deserts, rocky hillsides, and dry grasslands. They are terrestrial but occasionally climb low vegetation; often found hiding under rocks or in burrows during the day.
Diet & Feeding
Opportunistic diet including rodents, lizards, frogs, scorpions, and large insects. They use an ambush strategy, injecting venom and waiting for prey to succumb before consuming.
Reproduction
Varies by species within the genus; Echis carinatus is generally oviparous (egg-laying), producing 3-15 eggs, though some other species in the genus are viviparous.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with non-venomous sand boas (Gongylophis) or other small vipers. Distinguished by the head mark and the specialized serrated scales used for stridulation.
Conservation Status
IUCN status: Least Concern. Generally wide-ranging and common, but threatened locally by habitat destruction and persecution.
Cultural Significance
Often mentioned in literature and military history as a significant life threat in desert warfare. Highly respected and feared in rural communities across its range.
Notable Features
Famous for its unique 'sizzling' acoustic warning produced by scales rather than a rattle, and its 'sidewinding' locomotion which allows it to move efficiently over loose sand.