McGregor's Pit Viper
Trimeresurus mcgregori
A rare green pit viper restricted to the remote Batanes Islands of the northern Philippines.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.8 m (1.6-2.6 ft)
- Range
- Batanes Islands, northern Philippines
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Overview
McGregor's pit viper is one of the most geographically restricted Asian pit vipers, found only on the remote Batanes Islands at the northern tip of the Philippine archipelago. It is named after American zoologist Richard McGregor.
Due to its extremely limited range on small islands, it is considered a species of conservation concern.
How to identify it
- Green body, occasionally with a faint pale lateral line
- Slender, arboreal build typical of Trimeresurus species
- Triangular head distinct from the neck
- Vertically elliptical pupils
- Keeled scales
- Distinguished from other Philippine green pit vipers by its restriction to the Batanes Islands
Habitat & range
Found in forest and scrub vegetation on the small Batanes Islands, often in low shrubs and trees near forest edges.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, ambushing frogs, lizards, and small rodents from perches in vegetation. Gives live birth to small litters of young.
Frequently asked questions
Where is McGregor's pit viper found?
It is restricted to the Batanes Islands at the northern tip of the Philippines.
Is it rare?
Yes, its extremely limited island range makes it a species of conservation concern.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous pit viper.
Who is it named after?
It is named after American zoologist Richard McGregor.
McGregor's Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding McGregor's Pit Viper.
