How to Identify the Cardamom Mountains Green Pit Viper (Identification Guide)

Key identifying features

The Cardamom Mountains green pit viper (Trimeresurus cardamomensis) is identified by its bright green body typical of Asian green pit vipers, combined with its very restricted range in the Cardamom Mountains of southwestern Cambodia, which strongly narrows identification for snakes observed in that region.

Coloration & pattern

The body is a uniform green, sometimes with a yellowish or bluish cast, and may show a faint pale lateral stripe along the lower side of the body, more pronounced in males as is typical for this group of pit vipers. The tail often shows a subtle color contrast compared to the rest of the body. The belly is pale green to whitish.

Head, eyes & scales

The head is triangular and distinct from the neck, covered with small granular scales rather than large plates. Heat-sensing pits are present between the eye and nostril. Eyes typically show a golden or greenish tone with vertically elliptical pupils. Body scales are keeled, giving a slightly rough texture.

Size & body shape

This species is a moderately slender pit viper, generally in the range of 50 to 80 cm (about 20 to 31 inches), with a laterally compressed body suited to climbing and resting on branches and shrubs.

Range & habitat where you'll see it

As its name suggests, this species is restricted to the Cardamom Mountains region of southwestern Cambodia, inhabiting moist evergreen forest at low to moderate elevations.

How to tell it apart from look-alikes

Because many green pit vipers in mainland Southeast Asia look very similar, the Cardamom Mountains green pit viper is most reliably identified by its very restricted known range; individuals found within the Cardamom Mountains are much more likely to belong to this species than to other regional green pit vipers found elsewhere.