Hook-nosed Sea Snake

Russell Viper

This snake can grow to a maximum length of 166 cm (5.5 ft.) and averages about 120 cm (4 ft.) on mainland Asian populations, although island populations do not attain this size. The head is flattened, triangular and distinct from the neck. The snout is blunt, rounded and raised. The nostrils are large, The supranasal has a strong crescent shape and separates the nasal from the nasorostral anteriorly. The rostral is as broad as it is high. The color pattern consists of a deep yellow, tan or brown ground color, with three series of dark brown spots that run the length of its 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 pattern that forms an apex towards the snout. Behind the eye, there 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.