The common mock viper

A common mock viper is seen approaching an ant on a tree leaf in the Meilin Mountain in Futian District on Oct. 10, 2021.

The common mock viper

There is something fascinating about snakes, something that gives people reason to like them. Maybe it’s the mystery behind their eyes, their elongated limbless bodies covered by scales, their forked tongue, or probably the fact that all of them are carnivorous and some are extremely dangerous. However, the common mock viper (Psammodynastes pulverulentus) is not dangerous at all, at least not to humans.

蛇类是一种别有魅力的生物：它们狭长的双眼蕴藏着神秘；它们没有四肢，细长的身躯覆满了鳞片，分叉的蛇信嘶嘶作响；它们全部为肉食性动物，有些甚至身怀剧毒，十分危险。然而，今天要介绍的紫沙蛇，则是一种对人类几乎无害的蛇。

A common mock viper is seen on a tree in the Meilin Mountain in Futian District on Oct. 19, 2021.

This fascinating reptile is one of the smallest snakes you can find in Shenzhen, measuring no longer than 50 or 60 centimeters. Thinner than a pinkie, it has a triangle-shaped head that is clearly differentiated from the neck. The striking patterns over the head manifest a wide range of colorations that go from red, orange to gray, and even black. The body also shows patterns of coloration where you can see white spots or yellow speckles along the side that goes from head to tail. Their colorful patterns and small size make them difficult to spot, as they easily blend with their surroundings.

紫沙蛇是深圳最小的本土蛇类之一，体长约50至60厘米，还不及人的小拇指粗。它们三角形的、缀有美丽条纹的头部与颈部分界明显，颜色十分丰富，由红色逐渐过渡至灰、橙，甚至黑色。它们的躯干颜色也同样斑斓，白色与黄色的斑点遍布全身。由于体型小，体色与环境相似，这种蛇能够很好地隐蔽自己，从而非常难被发现。

A common mock viper is seen on a tree branch in the Meilin Mountain in Futian District on Oct. 16, 2021.

This species is active during both day and night, perhaps around pond areas looking for a small frog or a gecko. They hunt with their fangs, injecting a paralyzing venom into their prey. Fortunately, the venom is not harmful to humans and there are no known cases where their bite created a threat to a human life.

紫沙蛇昼夜皆活动，喜欢出没于小池塘附近，捕食小型青蛙、壁虎等。它们会使用毒牙向猎物体内注入毒液，使其失去行动能力，所幸这种毒素对人类无害，目前也还没有本物种致伤致死的案例。

Mock vipers are ovoviviparous, which means they are born from an egg, but instead of laying the eggs in a nest, the female keeps them inside of its body, giving the false impression that females give birth like mammals do. They reproduce sexually and can reproduce several times a year, giving birth to four to six baby snakes each time.

紫沙蛇营有性繁殖，且属卵胎生，即雌蛇繁殖时不直接抱窝产卵，而是在体内孵化，再以哺乳动物分娩的形式生下幼蛇。它们一年可以繁殖多次，每次产4至6条幼蛇。

A common mock viper is seen in the Meilin Mountain in Futian District on Oct. 22, 2021.

Snakes are facing a difficult time due to the rapid development of urban areas. The last thing they want is having humans further threat their lives. 

随着城市的发展，人类成为了威胁蛇类生存的最大敌人，使它们的处境日益艰难。

The next time you take a walk in the park or hike the mountains, and happen to come across a snake, just admire it. Don’t get too close. Let it continue on its way back to safety!

下回如果你在公园踏青或在山中远足的时候发现了蛇，请不要贸然靠近，只需静静地欣赏它们的美丽，再目送着它们缓缓离去，回到安全的地方。