Stejneger's Pit Viper
Viridovipera stejnegeri
A widespread bright green arboreal pit viper common in bamboo forests and shrublands of East and Southeast Asia.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Southern China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Laos, and parts of northern Southeast Asia
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Overview
Stejneger's Pit Viper is one of the most widely distributed and frequently encountered green pit vipers in East Asia, named after American herpetologist Leonhard Stejneger. It is a common inhabitant of forest edges, bamboo stands, and even parks and gardens near human settlement in parts of its range.
Despite its wide distribution and relative abundance, it remains a shy, arboreal snake that avoids confrontation when possible.
How to identify it
- Vivid green dorsum, often with a white or pale lateral stripe running along the body (more prominent in males)
- Reddish-brown tail tip in many individuals
- Slender, laterally compressed body adapted for climbing
- Triangular head with heat-sensing pits, distinct from a thin neck
- Vertically elliptical pupils
- Similar in appearance to other regional green pit vipers; range and lateral stripe pattern aid identification
Habitat & range
Common in lowland and montane forests, forest edges, bamboo groves, and shrubby vegetation, and can occur near agricultural land and human habitation. Found from near sea level up to elevations around 2,000 m across its range.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and largely arboreal, resting coiled on branches or shrubs by day and becoming active at night to hunt frogs, lizards, small mammals, and birds. Gives live birth to a moderate number of young. Generally calm and reluctant to bite unless provoked or handled.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stejneger's Pit Viper dangerous?
It is venomous and one of the more commonly encountered venomous snakes in parts of its range, though it is generally not aggressive.
Where is Stejneger's Pit Viper found?
Across southern China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Laos, and adjacent parts of Southeast Asia, often in bamboo forests and forest edges.
How can you identify Stejneger's Pit Viper?
By its bright green color, pale lateral stripe, and reddish tail tip, along with its slender arboreal build.
Does this snake lay eggs?
No, it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
Stejneger's Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Stejneger's Pit Viper.
