Sabah Pit Viper
Trimeresurus sabahi
A green pit viper found in the forests of Sabah in northern Borneo.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Borneo (Sabah, Malaysia)
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Overview
The Sabah pit viper is a member of the diverse Southeast Asian Trimeresurus complex, occurring in the forests of northern Borneo. It shares many features with related green pitvipers of the region.
It occupies forested habitats where it hunts from low vegetation, relying on camouflage and heat-sensing to capture prey.
How to identify it
- Green body coloration, sometimes with faint markings
- Triangular head, vertical pupils
- Keeled dorsal scales
- Reddish or pale tail tip in some individuals
- Distinguished from close relatives by locality and subtle scalation differences
Habitat & range
Found in lowland and hill forests of Sabah, northern Borneo, often near forest streams and in dense vegetation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, resting coiled on branches during the day. Feeds on small vertebrates including frogs and lizards. Ambush hunter using heat-sensing pits. Gives birth to live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sabah pit viper venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous pit viper.
Where does it occur?
In forests of Sabah, in northern Borneo.
Is it arboreal?
Yes, it is primarily arboreal, found on low vegetation and branches.
What does it eat?
Small frogs, lizards, and other small vertebrates.
Sabah Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Sabah Pit Viper.
