(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) Visit for more information on "Types of venom in Indian snakes" and "LD₅₀ Toxicity Chart of Indian snakes" . |
Mildly venomous (rear-fanged) For more details, see "Mildly venomous snakes venom composition and Effects on humans" . |
| 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) For more details, see "Types of Reproduction in Snakes" . |
Oviparous Lays 3–10 eggs during summer For more details, see "Types of Reproduction in Snakes" . |
| 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.
Visit for more information on
"Types of venom in Indian snakes"
and
"LD₅₀ Toxicity Chart of Indian snakes"
.
Common Cat Snake: Rear-fanged and mildly venomous. Not dangerous to humans. Bites only if provoked or mishandled.
For more details, see
"Mildly venomous snakes venom composition and Effects on humans"
.
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:
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