Jerdon's Pit Viper
Protobothrops jerdonii
A high-altitude pit viper of the eastern Himalayas and adjacent hill country, marked with bold black and yellow banding.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.7-1 m (2.3-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Himalayan region and adjacent hills, including northeastern India, Nepal, Myanmar, and southern China
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Overview
Jerdon's Pit Viper is a montane species found across the eastern Himalayas and neighboring highlands, adapted to cooler climates at moderate to high elevations. It is named after British naturalist Thomas C. Jerdon.
Its striking coloration and restricted high-elevation range make it a distinctive component of Himalayan herpetofauna.
How to identify it
- Bold black crossbands or blotches on a yellowish-green to olive background
- Head often marked with contrasting dark and light patterning
- Triangular head with vertical pupils and heat-sensing pits
- Moderately stout body compared to lowland green pit vipers
- Keeled scales giving a rough texture
- Distinguished from lowland Trimeresurus species by its bold banded pattern and montane range
Habitat & range
Inhabits montane forests, scrub, and rocky slopes at moderate to high elevations across the eastern Himalayas, northeastern India, Nepal, Myanmar, and southwestern China. Often found near streams and forest clearings in cooler climates.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Active during cooler hours, including dusk and early morning at higher elevations. Feeds on rodents, lizards, and amphibians. Reproduction is oviparous, with eggs laid in sheltered ground sites.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jerdon's Pit Viper venomous?
Yes, it is venomous.
Where does Jerdon's Pit Viper live?
In montane forests of the eastern Himalayas and adjacent regions of India, Nepal, Myanmar, and China.
What does Jerdon's Pit Viper look like?
It has bold black crossbands on a yellowish-green to olive body.
Does it prefer high or low elevations?
It is a montane species favoring moderate to high elevations.
Jerdon's Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Jerdon's Pit Viper.
