Wildlifeof China
Alashan Pitviper
Vipers
Photo: zhangshen · CC BY 4.0 (May be cropped or resized)
Gloydius cognatus
Basic stats
Habitat
Desert and desertified grassland, temperate rock and gravel areas with low rainfall, above about 1,300 m
Range
North-west and north-central China (Gansu) and Mongolia
Size
Up to 59 cm
Gloydius cognatus, the Alashan pit viper, is a small Asian pit viper from north-west China and Mongolia, growing to about 59 cm. It is distinguished by its scale counts and its banded pattern of 29–43 dark bands. (The Reptile Database; Wikipedia, general species account)
It lives in desert and desertified grassland at elevations from about 1,300 m to above 3,000 m, preferring temperate, rocky or gravelly areas with low rainfall. It is viviparous and is considered the most toxic Gloydius species in China. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Quick answers
- What habitat does the Alashan Pitviper live in?
- Desert and desertified grassland, temperate rock and gravel areas with low rainfall, above about 1,300 m
- Where is the Alashan Pitviper found?
- North-west and north-central China (Gansu) and Mongolia
- How big is the Alashan Pitviper?
- Up to 59 cm