[10] They have a white tail tip that they wiggle to mimic a grub so that prey comes into striking range—a behaviour known as caudal luring.

[11] Unusually for vipers, P. mangshanensis is oviparous with the female laying clutches of 13–21 eggs which she will guard until they hatch.

[1] This pitviper is found in mountainous regions in southern Hunan and northern Guangdong at elevations of 800–1,300 m (2,600–4,300 ft) above sea level.

Mang mountain range, it is also found in surrounding areas, primarily in subtropical montane forest with thick vegetation and cover.

This species is listed as "Endangered" by the IUCN on the basis that this species has an extent of occurrence and area of occupancy both unlikely to exceed 300 km2 (120 sq mi), it is known from two locations at risk from harvesting for the international pet trade and as a local delicacy, and there is a continuing decline in the number of mature individuals.