Reptiles
White-lipped Pit Viper
Trimeresurus albolabris · also called green bamboo viper
On a bamboo branch above a village path in Thailand, a white-lipped pit viper lies motionless, its green body invisible among the leaves.
Overview
The white-lipped pit viper, Trimeresurus albolabris, is a Least Concern tree viper of forest, scrub, and gardens across northeastern India, Southeast Asia, and southern China. Its green colour, heat-sensing pits, and closeness to people make it one of the most commonly encountered venomous snakes in the region.
A snake that waits in the leaves
The viper’s bright green skin blends with foliage, and it waits for hours on a branch, striking at frogs and small animals that pass within reach.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and common.
White-lipped Pit Viper: common questions
How does a pit viper find prey in the dark?
It has a heat-sensing pit on each side of the face, which lets it detect the warmth of prey even in darkness.
Is the white-lipped pit viper dangerous?
Its bite causes pain, swelling, and bleeding problems, and any bite needs medical attention.
Does it lay eggs?
No, it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
Where is the white-lipped pit viper found?
It lives in forest, scrub, and gardens across northeastern India, Southeast Asia, and southern China.