White-Lipped Island Pit Viper
Trimeresurus insularis
A striking island pit viper found across the Lesser Sunda Islands, notable for its variable turquoise, blue, or yellow coloration.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.7-1.1 m (2.3-3.6 ft)
- Range
- Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia (Bali, Komodo, Flores, Timor)
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The white-lipped island pit viper is a widely distributed species across the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, including Bali, Komodo, and Flores. It is notable among Asian pitvipers for its striking color variation, which can range from bright turquoise-blue to yellow depending on population and sex.
It is an arboreal ambush predator commonly encountered in vegetation near human settlements as well as in undisturbed forest.
How to identify it
- Highly variable coloration: blue, turquoise, green, or yellow depending on population
- White or pale stripe along the lower lip and lateral body
- Triangular head, vertical pupils
- Keeled scales
- Reddish or pale tail tip
- Color morph and island locality help distinguish populations
Habitat & range
Found across a range of habitats including forest, forest edge, agricultural land, and gardens throughout the Lesser Sunda Islands, from lowland to hill elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, coiling on branches or shrubs during the day. Feeds on frogs, lizards, birds, and small mammals. Ambush predator using heat-sensing pits. Gives birth to live young, sometimes in large litters.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called white-lipped?
Because of the pale white stripe running along its lower lip and body side.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous pit viper.
What colors can it be?
Populations vary from bright turquoise-blue to yellow or green depending on the island.
Where is it found?
Across the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, including Bali, Komodo, and Flores.
White-Lipped Island Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding White-Lipped Island Pit Viper.
