Beautiful Pit Viper
Trimeresurus venustus
A striking green pit viper with a red-bordered lateral stripe found in southern Thailand.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Southern Thailand
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Overview
The beautiful pit viper is named for its vivid coloration, particularly a distinctive pale lateral stripe bordered in reddish tones seen in males. It is part of the mainland Southeast Asian green pit viper radiation.
It inhabits lowland and hill forests, where it perches on vegetation to ambush passing prey at night.
How to identify it
- Bright green body
- Males often show a white or pale lateral stripe bordered with red or orange
- Triangular head, vertical pupils
- Keeled scales
- Reddish tail tip
- Sexual dichromatism more pronounced than in many related species
Habitat & range
Found in lowland rainforest and hill forest of southern Thailand, typically in low vegetation near streams and forest edges, often in limestone karst areas.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, coiling on branches during the day. Feeds on frogs, lizards, and small mammals. Ambush predator using heat-sensing facial pits. Gives birth to live young.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the beautiful pit viper?
Because of its vivid green color and, in males, a striking pale stripe bordered with red.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous pit viper.
Where does it live?
In lowland and hill forests of southern Thailand.
Do males and females look different?
Yes, males typically show more pronounced lateral striping than females.
Beautiful Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Beautiful Pit Viper.
