A strikingly beautiful snake found in the tropical forests of Indonesia and surrounding regions. This viper is known for its vivid green coloration, often accented with hints of yellow or blue, which helps it blend perfectly with the lush vegetation of its habitat. Its slender body and prehensile tail make it an expert climber, navigating tree branches and shrubs with ease. This arboreal lifestyle allows the snake to remain hidden from predators and gives it an excellent vantage point to ambush prey.

The Indonesian pit viper may not be the largest snake in its environment, but it is certainly one of the most intriguing. Its eyes, with vertical pupils, are sharp and alert, giving it a piercing gaze that complements its predatory nature. Like other pit vipers, this snake has specialized heat-sensing pits located between its eyes and nostrils. These pits allow it to detect the body heat of warm-blooded prey, even in complete darkness. This ability is particularly useful in the dense forests it inhabits, where visibility is often limited.

The diet of the Indonesian pit viper consists mainly of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. As an ambush predator, it relies on patience and stealth, coiling quietly among the leaves until prey comes within striking distance. When it strikes, it does so with lightning speed, delivering a dose of venom that quickly incapacitates its victim. The venom is not only used to subdue prey but also aids in digestion. While the bite of an Indonesian pit viper can be dangerous to humans, these snakes are generally not aggressive and will only bite if they feel threatened or cornered.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

East Timor

2019

Indonesia

2019

Lesser Sunda Is., Bali