Saw-scaled Viper

About the Saw-scaled Viper

Echis carinatus, known as the Sindh saw-scaled viper, saw-scaled viper, Indian saw-scaled viper, little Indian viper, and by other common names, is a viper species found in parts of the Middle East and Central Asia, and especially the Indian subcontinent. It is the smallest member of the "big four" Indian snakes that are responsible for causing the most snakebite cases and deaths, due to various factors including their frequent occurrence in highly populated regions, and their inconspicuous nature. Like all vipers, the species is venomous. Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.

The size of E. carinatus ranges between 38 and 80 cm (15 and 31 in) in total length (body + tail), but usually no more than 60 cm (24 in). Its head is distinct from its neck; its snout is very short and rounded. The nostril is between three shields, and the head is covered with small keeled scales, among which an enlarged supraocular is sometimes present. There are 9–14 interocular scales across the top of the head and 14–21 circumorbital scales. 1–3 rows of scales separate the eye from the supralabials. There are 10–12 supralabials, the fourth... Wikipedia →