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Viperidae

Tsushima Island Pitviper

Venomous

Gloydius tsushimaensis

Tsushima Island Pitviper
Gloydius tsushimaensis, pintail / Wikimedia Commons

The Tsushima Island Pitviper (Gloydius tsushimaensis) is a venomous snake in the Viperidae family, recorded in 1 country.

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 Tsushima Island Pitviper

Gloydius tsushimaensis, or the Tsushima Island pitviper, is a species of venomous snake in the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to Tsushima Island in Japan.

Diet

G. tsushimaensis is known to feed on frogs and shrews. Scavenging behavior has also been observed in the species.

Reproduction

While little is known about the mating seasons of Gloydius species in Japan, present observation suggests that the mating season of G. tsushimaensis is similar to that of G. blomhoffii, which is considered to be August and September. They are known to be ovoviviparous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Tsushima Island Pitviper

Is the Tsushima Island Pitviper venomous?
Yes. The Tsushima Island Pitviper (Gloydius tsushimaensis) 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 Tsushima Island Pitviper poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Tsushima Island Pitviper is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Tsushima Island 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.
Where does the Tsushima Island Pitviper live?
The Tsushima Island Pitviper has verified records in 1 country, including Japan. See the distribution section below for its full range.
What does the Tsushima Island Pitviper eat?
G. tsushimaensis is known to feed on frogs and shrews. Scavenging behavior has also been observed in the species.

If you are bitten by the Tsushima Island 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.

Where it is found

Japan

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 tsushimaensis

Keep learning

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