Instead of trying to escape when encountering humans, this venomous snake chooses to remain still and is ready to strike at anyone who approaches or accidentally steps on it.
Calloselasma Rhodostoma – A Venomous Snake with Distinctive Features
Calloselasma rhodostoma, also known by other names such as Malayan pit viper, the green pit viper, or the Malaysian viper, is a species of venomous snake belonging to the pit viper family.
This snake typically grows to a length of 70 to 90 cm, and can sometimes reach up to 1 meter, with females often being larger than males. The Calloselasma rhodostoma has a distinctly defined head and neck, featuring a large triangular-shaped head.
The Calloselasma rhodostoma is easily recognizable due to its symmetrical triangular patterns, which form a butterfly shape on its body (Photo: Nguyễn Chí Lâm).
A highly recognizable feature of this snake is the symmetrical brown triangular patterns along its back, which create a shape resembling a butterfly. Its body color ranges from grayish-yellow to brown, making it difficult to spot when lying among dry leaves.
Because the Calloselasma rhodostoma can be easily identified by its patterned and colored body, people can proactively avoid confrontation or have appropriate responses when encountering this snake in the wild or in their living areas.
The Calloselasma rhodostoma is commonly found in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and parts of Indonesia.
A Calloselasma rhodostoma spotted by the roadside in Phan Thiết city, Bình Thuận (Photo: SIFASV).
In Vietnam, the Calloselasma rhodostoma is distributed in the Central South, Central Highlands, and Southeast regions, with the highest occurrences in Bình Thuận, Ninh Thuận, Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu, and Núi Cấm – An Giang.
Why is the Calloselasma Rhodostoma Referred to as a “Living Mine”?
The Calloselasma rhodostoma is often found in rubber plantations, acacia forests, eucalyptus areas, abandoned agricultural lands overgrown with grass, and fruit orchards. Notably, it can sometimes be found in areas inhabited by humans as it often chases after rats, which are its preferred food.
The Calloselasma rhodostoma often hides in piles of dry leaves and is very hard to detect (Photo: SIFASV).
The Calloselasma rhodostoma often conceals itself under piles of dry leaves. Due to its body coloration, it is very challenging to recognize its presence in areas with many fallen leaves, especially in plantations. The snake can also be found under tree hollows or rocks.
While other snakes, including venomous ones, often try to escape when humans approach, the Calloselasma rhodostoma coils up and remains still in the pile of leaves instead of fleeing. If a person accidentally steps close or on it, the snake will strike and then continue to remain coiled, ready to attack again.
This behavior of staying still to defend itself, rather than fleeing when threatened, is the origin of the nickname “living mine” for the Calloselasma rhodostoma.
How Dangerous is the Calloselasma Rhodostoma?
The Calloselasma rhodostoma possesses venom containing enzymes that are toxic to cells and affect the blood (hemotoxic), capable of destroying red blood cells and tissues, causing pain and severe bleeding.
When bitten by the Calloselasma rhodostoma, small prey like rats and birds can die from hemorrhaging. In contrast, humans bitten by this snake will experience swelling, edema, blistering, and bruising. If the victim does not receive timely medical assistance, the bite can lead to intense pain and necrosis.
If the victim is hospitalized late, the wound may necrotize, forcing doctors to amputate (Photo: SIFASV).
Victims bitten by the Calloselasma rhodostoma need to be immediately taken to the hospital for treatment with antivenom. If the victim receives medical attention late, the wound may necrotize, requiring doctors to amputate or remove limbs for treatment; in severe cases, it may lead to death.
According to Phạm Minh Hiếu, host of the YouTube channel “Forest Envoy” and a snake expert, if bitten by the Calloselasma rhodostoma, there is no need for first aid; do not cut, squeeze, suck, or apply herbal remedies in traditional ways… but instead, immediately take the victim to the hospital for treatment with antivenom.
Traditional remedies or attempts to suck the venom from the body will worsen the bite. In particular, it is absolutely crucial not to apply a tourniquet to the bite, as this will exacerbate necrosis.
Conclusion
The Calloselasma rhodostoma is one of the most venomous snake species in Vietnam. Due to their wide distribution and diverse habitats, encounters between humans and the Calloselasma rhodostoma are very likely to occur.
If you live and work in areas where the Calloselasma rhodostoma is present, be vigilant to avoid being bitten by this snake. It is advisable to wear rubber boots and gloves when walking in areas with many fallen leaves, such as acacia forests or rubber plantations.
A Calloselasma rhodostoma in Vũng Tàu (Photo: Tuệ Đại).
Since the Calloselasma rhodostoma is a snake that is easily recognizable due to its distinct features, if you encounter this snake, try to keep your distance and avoid attempting to capture it to prevent being bitten. If you see a snake in your home, it is advisable to call the fire department or professionals to handle it, to avoid unfortunate accidents.
