How to Identify the Broad-Banded Temple Pit Viper (Identification Guide)

Key identifying features

The Broad-Banded Temple Pit Viper is a strikingly patterned arboreal pit viper marked by wide, dark crossbands set against a bright green or yellow-green body, along with the signature pit viper traits of a triangular head, vertical pupils, and facial heat pits.

Coloration & pattern

The base color is typically vivid green to yellowish-green, overlaid with broad, dark bands that wrap around the body at intervals, giving a bold, high-contrast banded appearance distinct from the faint speckling seen in many other green pit vipers. The bands may be blackish, dark brown, or deep olive. The belly is usually paler, often yellowish or pale green.

Head, eyes & scales

The head is broad, triangular, and clearly wider than the neck, with small, fine scales. Eyes are relatively large with vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit is present between each eye and nostril. Body scales are keeled, adding subtle texture to the otherwise smooth, colorful appearance.

Size & body shape

This species has a moderately slender, laterally compressed body adapted for climbing, with a prehensile tail. It is generally modest in overall length, consistent with other arboreal pit vipers in its genus.

Range & habitat where you'll see it

It inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, often near temples, gardens, and forest edges close to human settlements, where it is frequently found coiled on low branches, shrubs, or building ledges.

How to tell it apart from look-alikes

The broad, bold dark crossbands sharply set this species apart from other green pit vipers that show only faint speckling or thin, indistinct banding. Its association with temple grounds and forest-edge vegetation near human habitation is also a useful ecological clue. The triangular head, vertical pupil, and heat pit distinguish it from harmless green tree snakes that may share its banded look at a glance.