Phuket Pit Viper
Trimeresurus phuketensis
A green pit viper native to the forests around Phuket in southern Thailand.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.8 m (1.6-2.6 ft)
- Range
- Southern Thailand (Phuket region)
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Overview
The Phuket pit viper is a regionally restricted member of the Southeast Asian green pit viper complex, named for the Phuket area of southern Thailand where it was first described. It is one of many recently split species within the Trimeresurus group.
It occupies forest and forest-edge habitats, hunting from low vegetation at night.
How to identify it
- Green coloration, often with pale lateral markings
- Triangular head, vertical pupils
- Keeled scales
- Reddish or pale tail tip
- Distinguished from related species mainly by locality and minor scalation differences
Habitat & range
Found in lowland forest and forest-edge habitats in the Phuket region of southern Thailand, often in shrubs and low trees.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, resting coiled on vegetation during the day. Feeds on small vertebrates such as frogs and lizards. Ambush hunter using heat-sensing pits. Live-bearing reproduction.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Phuket pit viper venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous pit viper.
Where is it found?
In the Phuket region of southern Thailand.
Is it dangerous to humans?
It can deliver a venomous bite, though it is generally reclusive.
What does it eat?
Small frogs and lizards.
Phuket Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Phuket Pit Viper.
