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Horned pit viper
Protobothrops cornutus
A spectacularly rare high-altitude pitviper from Indochina. It is easily and instantly identified by the unique, menacing horn-like scales protruding directly above its eyes.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Viperidae
Subfamily:Crotalinae
Genus:Protobothrops
Species:Protobothrops cornutus
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
75 - 85 %
Day temperature
19 - 23 °C
Ambient temperature
19 - 23 °C
Night temperature
15 - 17 °C
Basking spot
25 °C
Adult size
69.6 cm
Minimum enclosure
>= 150 L
Brumation temperature
8 - 12 °C
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: The Horned pit viper is a rare venomous snake native to northern Vietnam and adjacent mountainous regions of southern China. It inhabits pristine montane rainforests, particularly rocky escarpments, karst limestone hills, and humid forest habitats at elevations between 800 and 2000 meters.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belonging to the family Viperidae and subfamily Crotalinae. This species is unique due to its highly specialized supraocular scales that project upward, forming small 'horns' above each eye. Genetics and morphology show a strong evolutionary link to karst limestone and high-altitude microhabitats.
Behavior and Habits: An extremely elusive, nocturnal, and terrestrial snake. It spends the day concealed deep within limestone crevices or underneath dense forest cover. It is an ambush predator that feeds on small mammals, birds, and amphibians, relying on its moss-like coloration for camouflage.
Morphology: Features a moderately slender but strong body with a highly distinct triangular head. Adults typically reach a length of 60 to 80 centimeters. The most striking features are the upward-pointing horn-like scales above the eyes. The body is patterned with brown, gray, and dark geometric blotches.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A highly secure, locked terrarium (minimum 80x50x50 cm) is required. The setup should feature stable karst or limestone rock formations arranged to create secure crevices, along with climbing branches and a substrate of damp peat moss and sphagnum. Excellent ventilation via double mesh screens is critical.
Lighting and Heating: As a high-altitude montane species, it is sensitive to heat. Maintain daytime temperatures between 20°C and 24°C, with a maximum warm spot of 26°C. Night temperatures should drop to a cool 16-18°C. Provide minimal, low-wattage lighting to simulate natural photoperiods without causing stress.
Humidity and Hydration: High humidity of 75% to 90% is essential. Mist the enclosure daily with purified or RO water to keep the environment damp and encourage proper shedding. A heavy, stable water dish with fresh, clean water must always be accessible in the cool area of the terrarium.
Feeding and Supplementation: Feed on appropriately sized mice or small rats. Adults should be fed once every 10 to 14 days, and juveniles weekly. Supplementation is not typically required if the feeder rodents are healthy and gut-loaded. Avoid overfeeding, as high-altitude species have slower metabolisms.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary. House individually at all times. Co-housing causes severe stress and can lead to fatal feeding accidents. Due to the venomous nature and cryptic behavior of this snake, handling should only be performed by professionals using proper snake hooks and tubes.
Health and Common Diseases: Vulnerable to overheating; temperatures exceeding 28°C can quickly lead to heat stress and death. Stagnant air combined with high humidity can trigger respiratory infections or skin blister disease. Regular spot-cleaning of the damp substrate is vital for hygiene.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Horned pit viper is a rare venomous snake native to northern Vietnam and adjacent mountainous regions of southern China. It inhabits pristine montane rainforests, particularly rocky escarpments, karst limestone hills, and humid forest habitats at elevations between 800 and 2000 meters.
Origin
South and Southeast AsiaEast Asia
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 69.6 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 69.6 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 69.6 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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