noun
viper; pitless viper
Refers to vipers, especially pitless vipers. Often used in compound names for specific species. Cross-referenced with マムシ (pit viper).
See also: マムシ
クサリヘビは毒蛇の一種です。
The viper is a type of venomous snake.
この地域にはクサリヘビが生息している。
Vipers inhabit this region.
マムシ refers specifically to pit vipers (Gloydius blomhoffii), while クサリヘビ is a broader term for vipers, especially pitless ones.
Compound of 鎖 (kusari, 'chain') and 蛇 (hebi, 'snake'), likely from the chain-like pattern on some vipers' skin. The exact origin is uncertain.