Yunnan Pit Viper
Trimeresurus yunnanensis
A green pit viper native to Yunnan Province in southern China and adjacent regions.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Southern China (Yunnan Province), northern Southeast Asia
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Overview
The Yunnan pit viper occurs in the forested hills and mountains of Yunnan Province, southern China, and nearby border regions. It is part of the widespread Asian green pit viper radiation adapted to subtropical forest conditions.
It is a nocturnal arboreal hunter, relying on camouflage and heat-sensing to detect prey in dense vegetation.
How to identify it
- Green dorsal coloration, sometimes with faint markings
- Triangular head, vertical pupils
- Keeled scales
- Pale or reddish tail tip
- Distinguished from related species by locality in Yunnan and adjacent regions
Habitat & range
Found in subtropical forest and forest edge in Yunnan Province and neighboring areas, from lowland to mid-elevation hills.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, coiling on branches by day and hunting at night. Feeds on frogs, lizards, and small rodents. Ambush predator using heat-sensing pits. Viviparous reproduction.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yunnan pit viper venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous pit viper.
Where is it found?
In Yunnan Province, southern China, and neighboring regions.
What habitat does it prefer?
Subtropical forest and forest edge at low to mid elevations.
What does it eat?
Frogs, lizards, and small rodents.
Yunnan Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Yunnan Pit Viper.
