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Viperidae

Ashy Pit Viper

Venomous

Craspedocephalus puniceus

Ashy Pit Viper
Craspedocephalus puniceus, © Justin Philbois
Ashy Pit ViperAshy Pit ViperAshy Pit ViperAshy Pit ViperAshy Pit Viper

6 photographs of the Ashy Pit Viper. © Justin Philbois.

The Ashy Pit Viper (Craspedocephalus puniceus) is a venomous snake in the Viperidae family, recorded in 6 countries.

If you are bitten

This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.

Family
Viperidae
Danger
high

About the Ashy Pit Viper

Craspedocephalus puniceus is a venomous pit viper species endemic to Southeast Asia. Common names include: flat-nosed pitviper, flat-nosed pit viper, and ashy pit viper. No subspecies are recognized as being valid.

Description

Adults of Craspedocephalus puniceus may attain a total length of 64 cm (25 in), which includes a prehensile tail 9 cm (3.5 in) long.

Dorsally, C. puniceus is gray, brown, or red, with dark blotches or crossbars, which may merge to form an undulating stripe. On each side of the head, behind the eye, is a light streak. Ventrally, it is powdered with dark brown, and usually has lateral series of yellowish spots. The body length depends on the gender. The adult male body ranges from 60–70 cm (24–28 in) and the adult female body 100–130 cm (39–51 in) in length.

Scalation includes 21–23 rows of dorsal scales at midbody, 158–173 ventral scales, 41–56 subcaudal scales, and 10–13 supralabial scales. The dorsal scales are weekly keeled, and the anal plate is entire.

Venom

Craspedocephalus puniceus can be found on Java and southern Sumatra. Envenomation is still a relatively major issue in certain parts of the world. One major area affected by envenomation is Asia. Through the study of the venom excreted by C. puniceus, we can potentially observe and find the effects of the venom based on the concentration and amount received. Research has shown that the higher the concentration of the venom, the greater the effect on the red blood cells.

Geographic range

Crasspedocephalus puniceus is found in southern Thailand, West and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), and Indonesia (Borneo, Sumatra, the Mentawai Islands of Siberut and North Pagai, Simalur, and Java). The type locality given is "Java".

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Ashy Pit Viper

Is the Ashy Pit Viper venomous?
Yes. The Ashy Pit Viper (Craspedocephalus puniceus) is venomous and belongs to the Viperidae family (viper). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.
Is the Ashy Pit Viper poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Ashy Pit Viper is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Ashy Pit Viper dangerous?
This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.
Where does the Ashy Pit Viper live?
The Ashy Pit Viper has verified records in 6 countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand. See the distribution section below for its full range.

If you are bitten by the Ashy Pit Viper

A venomous snakebite is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately. In the US, dial 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Do

  • Get away from the snake and stay calm. Most bites worsen when people panic or try again to handle the snake.
  • Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) right away. Antivenom works best when given early.
  • Note the time of the bite and, from a safe distance, the snake's color and pattern, a phone photo is enough. Do not chase it.
  • Keep the bitten limb still and at roughly heart level. Sit or lie down and limit movement.
  • Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts.
  • Gently wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Do not

  • Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
  • Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
  • Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
  • Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, they can worsen bleeding. Acetaminophen is safer for pain.
  • Do not try to catch or kill the snake. A dead snake can still bite by reflex.

First-aid guidance adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC NIOSH), Venomous Snakes. Educational only; always follow the instructions of emergency responders.

Where it is found

IndonesiaMalaysiaThailandBrunei DarussalamChinaIndia

More Viperidae snakes

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
Squamata
FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
Viperidae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
Craspedocephalus
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
Craspedocephalus puniceus

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.