Schultze's Pit Viper
Trimeresurus schultzei
A green pit viper endemic to the Philippines, named after the naturalist Schultze.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.8 m (1.6-2.6 ft)
- Range
- Philippines
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Overview
Schultze's pit viper is endemic to the Philippine archipelago, part of the diverse group of Asian green pit vipers in the Trimeresurus complex. Its restricted island distribution reflects the high degree of endemism found among Philippine reptiles.
It occupies forested habitats where it hunts small vertebrates from ambush positions in vegetation.
How to identify it
- Green body, sometimes with a pale lateral stripe
- Slender, arboreal build
- Triangular head distinct from a narrow neck
- Vertically elliptical pupils
- Keeled scales
- Distinguished from other Philippine green pit vipers mainly by scale counts and precise locality
Habitat & range
Found in forests and dense vegetation across parts of the Philippines, typically in low to mid-level shrubs and trees.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, hunting frogs, lizards, and small rodents. Relies on camouflage and ambush tactics. Gives live birth to small litters of young.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Schultze's pit viper found?
It is endemic to the Philippines.
Who is it named after?
It is named after the naturalist Schultze, who collected specimens in the Philippines.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous pit viper.
Is it arboreal?
Yes, it is primarily found in low vegetation and shrubs.
Schultze's Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Schultze's Pit Viper.
