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Viperidae

Caucasian pitviper

Venomous

Gloydius caucasicus

Caucasian pitviper
Gloydius caucasicus, © موسی مزینانیان Mousa Mazinanian
Caucasian pitviperCaucasian pitviperCaucasian pitviper

4 photographs of the Caucasian pitviper. © موسی مزینانیان Mousa Mazinanian.

The Caucasian pitviper (Gloydius caucasicus) is a venomous snake in the Viperidae family.

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 Caucasian pitviper

Gloydius caucasicus, the Caucasian pit viper, is a species of venomous snake in the genus Gloydius found in Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Afghanistan.

Etymology

The specific name, caucasicus, is derived from the Caucasus region, where this species is commonly found.

Description

The average length of mature individuals is up to 750 mm. The body pattern consists of a pale gray or brown background, overlaid with 36-50 dark transverse bands that do not extend low on the sides. These bands are separated by relatively broad light areas. The head is typically dark brown or black, with beige or pale-gray sides.

Geographical range

The Caucasian pit viper (Gloydius caucasicus) is found in Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Afghanistan. This species inhabits a variety of environments, including rocky areas and mountainous regions.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Caucasian pitviper

Is the Caucasian pitviper venomous?
Yes. The Caucasian pitviper (Gloydius caucasicus) 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 Caucasian pitviper poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Caucasian pitviper is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Caucasian pitviper 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.
Why is it called the Caucasian pitviper?
The specific name, caucasicus, is derived from the Caucasus region, where this species is commonly found.

If you are bitten by the Caucasian pitviper

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.

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
Gloydius
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
Gloydius caucasicus

Keep learning

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