Himalayan Pit Viper

The Himalayan pit viper is a highland snake found at 2,100 to 4,900m on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, from north-eastern Pakistan through northern India to Nepal. Individuals have been found up to 4,900m, which makes it the highest-living snake recorded. The body colour is light or dark brown, with a side row of spots, and the belly is light grey with small dark spots (Wikipedia, general species account).

The head is distinctly wide and elongated, the dorsal scales are strongly keeled and the dorsum is brownish, mottled or variegated into transverse bars. It is nocturnal and terrestrial, often seen close to the hiding place to which it retreats when disturbed. No subspecies are recognised. The sources opened say nothing on diet or breeding.