[1] The specific name, stejnegeri, is in honor of Norwegian-born American herpetologist Leonhard Stejneger.

The body pattern consists of a pale gray or brown background, overlaid with a series of dark, irregularly-shaped blotches.

The head is typically dark brown or black, with beige or pale-gray sides.

The Gobi pit viper (Gloydius stejnegeri) is found in China and Mongolia.

This species inhabits a variety of environments, including deserts and rocky areas.