Two-striped Forest Pit Viper
Bothriopsis bilineata
A slender, brilliant green arboreal pit viper of the Amazon rainforest, named for the pale stripes running along its sides.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Amazon Basin, including Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia
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Overview
The Two-striped Forest Pit Viper is a strikingly colored arboreal species found in the Amazon rainforest canopy and understory, where its vivid green coloration provides excellent camouflage among leaves.
It is closely related to other Bothriopsis tree vipers and, like them, spends much of its life coiled among vegetation waiting to ambush prey.
How to identify it
- Bright green dorsal coloration, sometimes with a yellowish tinge
- Two pale, often yellow or white, stripes running along each side of the body
- Slender, laterally compressed body adapted for climbing
- Prehensile-like tail used for gripping branches
- Triangular head with vertical pupils
- Distinguished from other green tree vipers by its distinct lateral stripes
Habitat & range
Found in lowland tropical rainforest of the Amazon Basin, typically in the understory and lower canopy, often near streams and in areas of dense vegetation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, ambushing frogs, lizards, birds, and small mammals from perches on vegetation. Ovoviviparous. Relies on camouflage as its primary defense but can strike quickly if disturbed.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called 'two-striped'?
It has two pale stripes running along the sides of its green body.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous pit viper, though bites are relatively uncommon due to its arboreal, remote habitat.
Where does it live?
In the Amazon rainforest across Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.
Is it arboreal?
Yes, it is highly adapted to life in trees and shrubs.
Two-striped Forest Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Two-striped Forest Pit Viper.
