Saw-scaled Viper: Opportunistic, Fast and Highly Venomous

Mitch Ryan
·5-min read

The Indian saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) is one of the most infamous and dangerous Indian snakes. These venomous snakes are known for their speed, aggression and powerful venom, which makes them one of the deadliest snakes to humans.

While they're considered one of the most dangerous snakes around, they're also fascinating creatures with unique behaviors and adaptations. Read on to take a closer look at the biology, behavior and habitat of the saw-scaled viper.

Physical Characteristics

Saw-scaled vipers are relatively small with a stout body, usually measuring 12 to 30 inches (31 to 76 cm) in length. Their name comes from the saw-like scales along their bodies, which they rub together to produce a rasping, hissing sound as a warning to potential threats of their aggressive temperament.

Their bodies are typically light brown, gray or reddish in color, and they have dark, irregular patterns that help them blend into loose rocks and deep mammal burrows in their desert and scrubland habitats.

Saw-scaled Viper Venom

Despite their small size, saw-scaled vipers are responsible for more snakebite incidents in their range than any other snake species.

According to reptile database information, this Indian viper species has a similar venom yield to their close relatives, African carpet vipers, which are responsible for more human deaths from snakebites than all venomous species in Africa combined.

As is the case with many other snake venoms, individual specimens vary considerably across species. For instance, even a little Indian viper can produce potent venom that requires quick application of antivenom to avoid severe systemic symptoms and permanent tissue damage. A juvenile saw-scaled viper can 12 mg per bite — more than twice the lethal dose for an adult human.

Different Subspecies

The saw-scaled viper belongs to the genus Echis, which includes several subspecies scattered across a wide. The most well-known subspecies is Echis carinata, which is found across Northern India, Pakistan and parts of the Middle East.

Other species, like Echis pyramidum and Echis coloratus, inhabit North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. These subspecies vary slightly in pale-brown ground color and pattern, but they all share similar characteristics, such as a pear-shaped head, vertical pupils and an extremely aggressive nature.

The taxonomic and geographic reference for these snakes places them firmly in the group of old world vipers or "true vipers," making them relatives of other famous venomous snakes like the puff adder and Gaboon viper.

Social Habits

Saw-scaled vipers are solitary creatures and tend to avoid each other except during the mating season. They are nocturnal, meaning they're most active at night when they come out to hunt and explore.

When threatened, they'll coil their bodies tightly and rub their scales together to make that signature “sawing” sound, which serves as a warning to back off.

Unlike some snake species, saw-scaled vipers are highly aggressive and will not hesitate to strike if they feel threatened. This makes them especially dangerous to humans, as their tendency to strike quickly and without much warning can lead to frequent bites.

Diet

Echis carinatus feeds primarily on small rodents, insects and sometimes small reptiles. Their ambush hunting style forces them to wait for prey to come close before striking with lightning speed.

Their venom, designed to immobilize their prey, quickly breaks down tissues and blood vessels, making it easier for the snake to consume its meal. This breakdown can lead to blood clots, necrosis and even more dangerous systemic symptoms.

In arid environments where food can be scarce, saw-scaled vipers have adapted to go long periods without eating. When they do catch prey, they can digest it quickly thanks to their highly efficient metabolic systems.

Saw-scaled vipers are opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of whatever prey is available in their environment.

Environment

The geographic range of Echis carinatus is vast, covering parts of India, the Middle East and North Africa.

These snakes thrive in hot, dry climates and are commonly found in deserts, scrublands, rocky outcrops and dry grasslands. Unlike some snakes that prefer lush, humid environments, saw-scaled vipers are perfectly adapted to some of the most inhospitable landscapes on Earth.

They are often found near human settlements, which increases the likelihood of encounters and snakebites. In regions where Indian reptiles like Echis carinatus are common, people must be especially cautious when working outdoors, as these snakes blend into their usual sandy habitats so well that they're often only noticed when it's too late.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of a saw-scaled viper starts when a female lays eggs, unlike other viper species that birth their live young. The eggs are usually laid in hidden, protected areas like under rocks or in burrows. After a few weeks, the baby vipers hatch, fully independent and ready to fend for themselves.

Young saw-scaled vipers are just as venomous as adults, and they grow quickly in their first few months of life. These snakes don't live particularly long, usually only about 5 to 10 years in the wild, but they make up for it with high reproductive rates.

Conservation Status

These snakes are not currently listed as endangered or threatened. Despite their reputation as a species responsible for a disproportionate number of snakebites in the region, saw-scaled vipers play an important role in their ecosystems by controlling populations of small rodents and insects.

Living snakes in their natural environments face the usual threats of habitat destruction and human activity, but their adult population numbers are generally stable across their geographic range.

As snake venoms continue to be studied for their potential medical applications, including the possibility of using carinatus venom for blood clotting research, these snakes are increasingly recognized for their scientific value, serving as subjects for ongoing research into the potential uses of snake venoms in medicine.

So, next time you think about a snake exhibit at the natural history museum, remember: While saw-scaled vipers are certainly something to be cautious around, they're also incredible creatures with unique adaptations that allow them to survive in some of the harshest environments on Earth.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.

Now That's Interesting

Rather than hibernating, vipers enter a state of slowed metabolism called brumation. Brumation forces these cold-blooded creatures to find refuge in sheltered areas during cold winter months, and their activity levels plummet to reduce exertion and conserve energy.

Original article: Saw-scaled Viper: Opportunistic, Fast and Highly Venomous

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