Arunachal Pit Viper
Trimeresurus arunachalensis
A green pit viper endemic to Arunachal Pradesh, part of a wave of newly described pit viper species from the eastern Himalayan foothills.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The Arunachal Pit Viper is a green pit viper species described from the forests of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. It reflects the significant herpetological diversity of the eastern Himalayan foothills, a region that continues to reveal new snake species through ongoing surveys.
Like many recently described Trimeresurus species from this region, it is known from a relatively limited number of records and localities.
How to identify it
- Green body coloration typical of Trimeresurus pit vipers
- Vertical pupils and heat-sensing facial pits
- Triangular head distinct from a slender neck
- Prehensile tail suited for climbing
- Keeled dorsal scales
- Distinguished from closely related regional green pit vipers primarily through scale counts and genetic analysis
Habitat & range
Found in forested hill terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India, typically at moderate elevations within humid montane forest habitats.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Presumed nocturnal and arboreal, consistent with related green pit vipers, foraging on small vertebrates from low vegetation. Reproductive biology is not extensively documented but likely viviparous.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Arunachal Pit Viper venomous?
Yes, it is venomous.
Where is the Arunachal Pit Viper found?
In forested hill terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India.
Is the Arunachal Pit Viper newly described?
Yes, it is among several pit viper species recently described from northeastern India.
How does it reproduce?
It is presumed viviparous, consistent with related Trimeresurus species.
Arunachal Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Arunachal Pit Viper.
