The dorsal surface of the head anterior to the frontal (the area sometimes called the pileus) carries a complex of enlarged shields.

Generally baby Daresky's vipers feed on newborn rock lizards (Darevskia valentini) and small orthopterans.

Even during the hottest and driest months of July and August, hot days lead to intensive evaporation of humidity and cloud formation.

In some north-facing patches, close to the watersheds and summits of mountain ridges, some residual snow and ice never melts.

Suitable patches of rocky deposits are mainly situated on the steep and warmest south-facing and southeast-facing slopes of deep mountain valleys within an elevation range of 2,300–3,000 m (7,500–9,800 ft) above sea level.

[citation needed] High mountainous moraines, as well as outcrops of bedrock surrounded by alpine grasslands, are being utilized as the main habitat by this snake.

Deposits of rocks provide snakes with deep hibernation dens, but also serve as daily shelters and protection from overheating and/or overcooling as well as from predators.

Also rocky deposits support important food resources: rock lizards (mainly Darevskia valentini) and small rodents (Microtus ssp.).

Darevsky's vipers are diurnal snakes, and during the day they often move inside the rocky deposits to maintain optimal body temperature, which is about 26–28 °C (79–82 °F).

[citation needed] Slopes of ridges supporting Darevsky's viper are being regularly used by local residents as pasture for domestic cattle, and are being mowed.