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Viperidae

Wirot’s Pit Viper

Venomous

Craspedocephalus wiroti

Wirot’s Pit Viper
Craspedocephalus wiroti, © Ioannis Magouras
Wirot’s Pit ViperWirot’s Pit Viper

3 photographs of the Wirot’s Pit Viper. © Ioannis Magouras.

The Wirot’s Pit Viper (Craspedocephalus wiroti) is a venomous snake in the Viperidae family, recorded in 2 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 Wirot’s Pit Viper

Craspedocephalus wiroti, also known commonly as Wirot's pit viper, is a species of venomous pitviper in the family Viperidae. The species is native to Southeast Asia.

Etymology

The specific name, wiroti, is in honor of Thai herpetologist Wirot Nutaphand (1932–2005).

Geographic range

C. wiroti is found in Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of C. wiroti is forest, at altitudes from sea level to 1,200 m (3,900 ft).

Behavior

C. wiroti is arboreal.

Reproduction

C. wiroti is oviparous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Wirot’s Pit Viper

Is the Wirot’s Pit Viper venomous?
Yes. The Wirot’s Pit Viper (Craspedocephalus wiroti) 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 Wirot’s Pit Viper poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Wirot’s Pit Viper is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Wirot’s 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 Wirot’s Pit Viper live?
The Wirot’s Pit Viper has verified records in 2 countries, including Thailand, Malaysia. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Why is it called the Wirot’s Pit Viper?
The specific name, wiroti, is in honor of Thai herpetologist Wirot Nutaphand (1932–2005).

If you are bitten by the Wirot’s 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

ThailandMalaysia

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 wiroti

Keep learning

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