reptilicon:

Fea’s Viper - Azemiops feae

Status: Unknown/Data deficient

VENOMOUS

This species does not grow to more than 1 meter in length. The color pattern of the Fea’s viper is striking: its basic body color is a shiny, deep blue-gray to black and marked by a number of widely spaced thin (1-2 scales) white-orange bands. The head is orange to slightly yellow with a distinct cross-pattern outlined in gray. The eyes are yellowish with vertical pupils.

Ranges from northern Vietnam through southern China, southeast Myanmar and southeast Tibet. Found in mountainous regions at altitudes up to 1000 m. Sometimes it is found on roadsides, in straw and grass, in rice fields, and even in and around homes. In Vietnam, its preferred habitat is described as forests of bamboo and tree ferns, with clearings, where the forest floor is covered with rotting vegetation, where there are plenty of rock outcroppings and there are many open and subterranean streams. The species is crepuscular, prefers temperatures of 18-25 °C, and very moist environments for shelter.

This species has a characteristic threat display. When disturbed, it flattens its body to make itself look wider, and its jaws flare outwards posteriorly, giving the normally ovoid head a triangular shape. Sometimes, it will vibrate its tail. Ultimately, it will strike, during which it may or may not use its fangs.

(via reptilefacts)