Researchers in India made a magical discovery: a new species of green pit vipers. Inspired by the Harry Potter series, the viper’s name has come from one of the most powerful and devious wizards ever known Salazar Slytherin.
The group of researchers published their findings on the Harry Potter-inspired viper in the journal Zoosystematics and Evolution earlier this month. Known scientifically as Trimeresurus Salazar, the viper will be more commonly referred to as Salazar’s pit viper. According to CNN,
“The pit vipers in the genus Trimeresurus are venomous and found throughout East and Southeast Asia. This species was found in India, but there are at least 48 total species of this genus found in the region.”
However, this viper stands out from the others due to the orange stripe running along either side of its belly.
For those not up to date on their magical history, Salazar Slytherin is one of the founders of Hogwarts alongside Helga Hufflepuff, Godric Gryffindor, and Rowena Ravenclaw. Salazar Slytherin was known as a Parselmouth (meaning he could speak with serpents) who could also read minds.
This powerful wizard founded the house Slytherin, and Harry Potter fans know that this cunning house is known for its connections to serpents and other magical reptiles. The Slytherin house colors are also green and silver, so Salazar’s pit viper would feel right at home.
Slytherin may not have the House Cup, but Gryffindor has got nothing on this delightful scientific discovery. Are you Slytherins delighted by this slithery serpent? Any other Harry Potter houses hoping for some recognition in the animal kingdom? Let us know in the comment below, and keep coming back to The Nerd Stash for all of your nerdy news and needs!