Andaman Pit Viper
Trimeresurus andersonii
An island-endemic green pit viper found only in the Andaman Islands of India.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Andaman Islands, India
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Overview
The Andaman pit viper is endemic to the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, making it a geographically restricted member of the Trimeresurus group of Asian bamboo pit vipers. It fills a niche similar to mainland green pit vipers but is isolated on its island habitat.
Its limited range makes it an important focus for island biodiversity conservation.
How to identify it
- Green body, sometimes with a faint lateral stripe
- Slender, arboreal build
- Triangular head distinct from a narrow neck
- Vertically elliptical pupils
- Keeled scales
- Distinguished from mainland green pit vipers by its restriction to the Andaman Islands
Habitat & range
Found in forests and scrubland across the Andaman Islands, often in low vegetation and near forest edges.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, hunting frogs, lizards, and small mammals from ambush positions in vegetation. Gives live birth to small litters of young.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Andaman pit viper found?
It is endemic to the Andaman Islands of India and found nowhere else.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous pit viper.
Is it arboreal?
Yes, it spends much of its time in low vegetation and shrubs.
What does it eat?
Frogs, lizards, and small mammals.
Andaman Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Andaman Pit Viper.
