viper; pitless viper
Refers to vipers, especially pitless vipers. Often used in compound names for specific species. Cross-referenced with マムシ (pit viper).
See also: マムシ
The viper is a type of venomous snake.
Vipers inhabit this region.
Russell's viper
Katakana spelling is common for animal names; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is rare; the word is usually written in kana.
Compound of 鎖 (kusari, 'chain') and 蛇 (hebi, 'snake'), likely from the chain-like pattern on some vipers' skin. The exact origin is uncertain.