(Echis carinatus vs Boiga trigonata)
Scientific Classification
| Feature | Saw-scaled Viper | Common Cat Snake |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Echis carinatus | Boiga trigonata |
| Family | Viperidae | Colubridae |
| Venom | Highly venomous (hemotoxic) | Mildly venomous (rear-fanged) |
| Fang Type | Solenoglyphous (hinged front fangs) | Opisthoglyphous (rear fangs) |
| Length | Up to 80 cm | Up to 90 cm |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparous (gives birth to live young) | Lays 3–10 eggs during summer |
| Scale Texture | Rough, keeled scales with saw-like sides | Smooth or weakly keeled scales |
Saw-scaled Viper: One of the most dangerous snakes in India. Hemotoxic venom can cause tissue damage and internal bleeding. Known for its defensive "sizzling" sound.
Common Cat Snake: Rear-fanged and mildly venomous. Not dangerous to humans. Bites only if provoked or mishandled.
Saw-scaled Viper: Active at night. Found in dry, rocky areas, farmlands, and scrub forests. Aggressive when threatened, coils into "S" shape before striking.
Common Cat Snake: Nocturnal and arboreal. Found in dry regions, rocky crevices, trees, and houses. Feeds on lizards, frogs, birds, and rodents.
🔍 Identification Tips
- Saw-scaled Viper: Short, thick body with zig-zag patterns, rough keeled scales, triangular head, vertical pupils.
- Cat Snake: Slender body, cat-like vertical pupils, head distinct from neck, smooth scales with faint markings.
📍 Distribution in India
Saw-scaled Viper: Widely distributed across India except for high altitude Himalayan regions and dense forests.
Common Cat Snake: Found throughout India, especially in drier habitats and hilly regions.
⚖️ Summary Table
| Aspect | Saw-scaled Viper | Cat Snake |
|---|---|---|
| Head Shape | Broad, triangular | Flat, angular distinct from neck |
| Eye Size | Small, vertical pupils | Large, vertical pupils |
| Activity | Nocturnal | Nocturnal |
| Behavior | Aggressive, defensive posture | Shy, climbs trees and hides |
| Venomous? | Yes, highly | Mildly venomous |
| Stripes | Zig-zag or blotched patterns | Faint bands or reticulated lines |
| Body | Thick and muscular | Slender and long |
| Common Confusion | Sometimes confused with other vipers | Often mistaken for baby cobra or viper |
Saw-scaled Viper: 
Cat Snake:
⬇️ Download as PDF
If this post helped you understand the difference between these two species, please share it or leave a comment below!