Protobothrops flavoviridis

, Tokyo, Japan Growing to an average total length (tail included) of , with a maximum of , Protobothrops flavoviridis is the largest member of its genus. It is slenderly built and gracefully proportioned with a large head. The crown of the head is covered with small scales. P. flavoviridis has a light olive or brown ground color, overlaid with elongated dark green or brownish blotches. The blotches have yellow edges, sometimes contain yellow spots, and frequently fuse to produce wavy stripes. The belly is whitish with dark coloring along the edges. ==Geographic distribution and habitat==

The Okinawa habu is restricted to the Japanese Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa and the Amami Islands. The type locality is "Amakarima Island (one of the Loo-Choo group)" (= Keramashima, Ryukyu Islands). It is common on the larger volcanic islands, but not present on the smaller coral islands. The species is often reported from the transition zone between palm forest and cultivated fields. It may also be found on rock walls and in old tombs and caves. ==Ecology==

The species Protobothrops flavoviridis is terrestrial ==Venom==

The incidence of snakebite in the Amami Islands is two per 1,000 people, which is considered very high. The venom of this species is of high toxicity, containing cytotoxin and hemorrhagin components, yet the fatality rate is less than 1%. A bite from a habu snake can cause nausea, vomiting, hypotension, and possibly death. In some cases, victims reported the loss of motor function in hands and legs following treatment. If a bite victim receives medical care promptly, bites are not life-threatening. However, 6–8% do suffer permanent disability. ==Use by humans==

On the island of Okinawa, Protobothrops flavoviridis is heavily collected, primarily for use in habushu (ハブ酒). In this case, the sake is a liquor called awamori (泡盛), alleged to have medicinal properties. As is typical with snake wine, the snakes may be inserted into the container while still alive, causing them to drown, or the snake may be stunned first and gutted while still alive. The production includes the body in the fermentation process, and it is sold in bottles that may or may not retain the body of a snake (or other animals such as lizards or scorpions). ==References==