Mamushi (Viper) - Mamushi

Japanese: マムシ(蝮) - マムシ

A general term for dangerous venomous snakes in the genus Mamushi and family Viperidae. Twelve species are distributed in Asia and North America. The Japanese Mamushi is the only venomous snake found in mainland Japan. It is less than 70cm long, has a thick body, and a large triangular head. Its back is gray-brown with a row of dark brown rings. It is often found in humid bamboo forests, on the ridges of rice paddies, and near mountain streams, and preys on frogs and small mice. It is nocturnal. Its venom is a hemorrhagic poison, and although highly toxic, the amount is small and it is not fatal. However, if bitten, it is advisable to receive serum therapy after first aid. It is ovoviviparous and gives birth to 5-12 pups in summer to autumn. It is used in folk medicine, such as making Mamushi sake and burning it black.

Source : Heibonsha Encyclopedia About MyPedia Information

Japanese:

爬虫(はちゅう)類クサリヘビ科マムシ属に含まれる危険な毒ヘビの総称。12種がアジア，北アメリカに分布。ニホンマムシは日本本土唯一の毒ヘビ。全長70cm以下で，体は太く，頭は大きく三角形。背面は灰褐色で暗褐色の輪状紋が並ぶ。湿度の高い竹林，水田のあぜ，渓流近くに多く，カエル，小型ネズミ類を捕食。夜行性。毒は出血毒で，毒性は強いが量が少なく，致命的ではない。しかし咬傷を受けた場合，応急処置の後，血清治療を受けることが望ましい。卵胎生で夏〜秋に５〜12匹を産む。まむし酒，黒焼などにして民間薬に利用する。

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