Common Mock Viper

Psammodynastes pulverulentus

⚠️ Mildly venomous

Description

The Common Mock Viper (Psammodynastes pulverulentus) is a small to medium-sized snake found throughout South and Southeast Asia. It resembles true vipers in appearance and defensive behavior, hence its name “mock viper.” The species typically measures between 40–70 cm in length, with a slender body, slightly keeled scales, and a pointed head distinct from the neck. Its coloration varies from brown to grayish with darker blotches, providing excellent camouflage in leaf litter and forest floors. The snake is primarily diurnal and feeds on small lizards, frogs, and occasionally other small vertebrates.

Venomous?

Yes, mildly venomous. The Common Mock Viper possesses rear fangs with mild venom intended for subduing small prey, but it is not dangerous to humans.

A Danger to Humans?

Generally not aggressive. When threatened, it may flatten its body and mimic the striking posture of a viper, but bites are extremely rare and harmless to humans.

Population Size

Stable

Life Span

-

WEIGHT​

30.5 g

LENGTH

Average total length 500 mm, maksimum 750 mm

Ca

Carnivore

Di

Diurnal

No

Nocturnal

Te

Terrestrial

Classification

KINGDOM

:

Animalia

PHYLUM

:

Chordata

CLASS

:

Reptilia

ORDER

:

Squamata

FAMILY

:

Colubridae

GENUS

:

Psammodynastes

SPECIES

:

Psammodynastes pulverulentus

Distribution

In Bali it is common in montane forests, and agricultural land between about 1200 and 1500 m above sea level. In other areas it is known to be in various forests and savanna to an altitude of 1600m above sea level, but in many areas it cannot be found in areas less than 700 m above sea level.

Geography

Continent : Asia

Country : India, Nepal, Bangladesh, South China including Hainan Island and Hong Kong, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Kalimantan, Philippines, Indonesia from Sumatra to Flores, and Sulawesi

Habits and Lifestyle

The Mock Viper is a day-active, mostly terrestrial, snake and is therefore often found in leaf litter, although they are also known to climb small shrubs and vegetation especially in watery areas. They also usually exhibit early aggressive behavior by turning their fronts into a defensive ‘S’ position. They will strike mostly with fake bites and occasionally real attacks, but their small size makes real bites relatively harmless.

Lifestyle

Terrestrial

Biome

Variety forest

Climate Zone

Tropical

Diet and Nutrition

This species is carnivorous. Its main diet is lizards and frogs

Diet : Carnivora

Mating Habits

Ovoviviparous species, in which the female gives birth to 3 – 10 young, each measuring a total length of about 150 – 180 mm. on Komodo Island, these snakes are born during the rainy season. Male snakes can mature when their SVL reaches 288 mm, while females have 320 mm SVL sizes.

Reproduction session : Rainy season

Incubation periods: –

Independent age : at birth

Baby name : –

Baby carrying : 3 – 10 young

PHOTO GALLERY

Reference

  1. Psammodynastes pulverulentus Hongkong Snake ID Website
  2. McKay, J.L. 2006. Reptil and Amphibi di Bali. Krieger Publishing Company, Florida, USA.