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Saw-scaled viper. Image author: Krishna Khan Amravati.

Carpet vipers, identified scientifically as Echis and also known as saw scaled vipers, are found in dry areas. They are common in the deserts and dry areas of Africa, India, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East. The common name ‘carpet viper’ is not a single snake species, but is composed of a total of 8 recognized species. Some of these species, when taken alone, are already recognized as top contributors to snake bite fatalities around the world.

These snakes are not monstrously huge. In fact, the largest known carpet viper is just below 3 feet in length. The smallest species among these snakes grows to just a foot long. What is common among all the species though is that the scales on the lower flanks of their bodies stick out at a 45 degree angle. These snakes also have a central ridge that is serrated, and this is how it acquired the name ‘saw scaled viper’.

Very much like the cobra (which has the hood) and the rattle snake (with the rattle at the tip of its tail), carpet vipers also have their own unique way of scaring away potential attackers. They curl their bodies into ‘C’ shaped coils, and then rub their scales together. Since the bodies have their serrated scales, the noise produced is unique and striking, similar to the sound you get when pouring water onto a hot plate. Earlier on, scientists believed that this was done so that the snake could conserve water by not hissing, however it was observed that some of the snakes continue to hiss even when displaying this behaviour.

One other thing that makes the carpet viper stand out is the fact that it seems to be a bit more temperamental than most other snakes. It is quick to attack, although some believe that this stems from the fact that it attacks from the C-shaped warning position it takes,

The venom is rather inconsistent between species. Depending on the specific species, the lethal dose for prey or even a human may vary significantly. What makes this stranger is the fact that production of toxins by this particular snake also varies widely, with some species yielding only 6 mg and the others hitting 56 mg. Apparently, the seasons also have a huge effect on the amount of venom that the snake is able to produce, and it has been noted that female carpet vipers are more venomous as compared to their male counterparts.

When travelling in a country that is known to have carpet vipers, be sure to have your ears prepped for that loud noise that they make, because this sound maybe the only warning before a carpet viper strikes.