Guatemalan Palm Pit Viper
Bothriechis bicolor
An arboreal green pit viper of Central American highland forests, closely related to other palm pit vipers of the region.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Highlands of southern Mexico (Chiapas), Guatemala, and El Salvador
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Overview
The Guatemalan Palm Pit Viper inhabits montane and premontane forests across Guatemala and neighboring Central American regions, where it lives an arboreal lifestyle typical of its genus.
It shares many traits with related Bothriechis species, including a prehensile tail and vivid green camouflage, but is distinguished by subtle scale and pattern characteristics recognized by herpetologists.
How to identify it
- Predominantly green dorsal coloration, often with a paler green or yellowish belly
- Slender body with a strongly prehensile tail
- Triangular head with vertical pupils
- Keeled scales giving a slightly rough appearance
- Distinguished from closely related palm pit vipers by subtle scalation and regional range differences
Habitat & range
Found in montane and premontane forest across the highlands of southern Mexico (Chiapas), Guatemala, and El Salvador, often in areas with dense vegetation and moderate elevation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, ambushing small vertebrates such as frogs and rodents. Ovoviviparous. Generally slow-moving and reliant on camouflage for defense.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Guatemalan Palm Pit Viper live?
In highland forests of southern Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous arboreal pit viper.
How is it different from other palm pit vipers?
Mainly by subtle scale characteristics and its specific regional range.
What does it eat?
Small vertebrates such as frogs, lizards, and rodents.
Guatemalan Palm Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Guatemalan Palm Pit Viper.
