Russell’s viper is a highly venomous snake in the family Viperidae native to South Asia. It is named after Patrick Russell and is one of the big four snakes in India. The color pattern on the dorsal side consists of a deep yellow, tan, or brown ground color, with three series of dark brown spots that run the length of the body. Each of these spots has a black ring around it, the outer border of which is intensified with a rim of white or yellow. The dorsal spots, which usually number 23–30, may grow together, while the side spots may break apart. The head has a pair of distinct dark patches, one on each temple, together with a pinkish, salmon, or brownish V or X marking that forms an apex towards the snout. Behind the eye is a dark streak, outlined in white, pink, or buff. The venter is white, whitish, yellowish, or pinkish, often with an irregular scattering of dark spots. Venom of this species is delivered by means of solenoglyphous dentition. The quantity of venom produced by individual specimens of this viper is considerable. Venom yields for adult specimens have been reported as 130–250 mg, 150–250 mg, and 21–268 mg.
Systematic position
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