Chinese Green Tree Viper
Trimeresurus stejnegeri
A slender, arboreal green pit viper common across southern China, Taiwan, and northern Vietnam, frequently encountered in forests and cultivated areas.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Southern China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and adjacent parts of Southeast Asia
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Overview
The Chinese green tree viper, also known as the Chinese green pit viper, is a venomous arboreal pit viper widespread across southern China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and neighboring parts of Southeast Asia. It is one of the most commonly encountered green pit vipers in the region.
It is a slender, lightweight snake well adapted to life in trees and shrubs, and while its venom is rarely lethal to healthy adults, it is a frequent cause of snakebite in areas where it overlaps with agriculture and human settlement.
How to identify it
- Bright green dorsal coloration, often with a pale yellow, white, or reddish lateral stripe running along the lower sides
- Males often have a more distinct lateral stripe than females
- Reddish or tan tail tip in some individuals
- Triangular head clearly distinct from a slender neck, with heat-sensing pits
- Vertically elliptical pupils
- Keeled scales giving a slightly rough texture
- Slender, laterally compressed body suited to climbing
Habitat & range
Found in a range of forested and semi-forested habitats including lowland and hill forest, forest edges, bamboo groves, tea plantations, and gardens across southern China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, from lowlands into moderate hill elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal, resting coiled on vegetation by day and becoming active at night to hunt small mammals, birds, frogs, and lizards. Ambushes prey from a perch among leaves or branches. Ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chinese green tree viper dangerous?
It is venomous and can cause significant local symptoms, though bites are rarely life-threatening to healthy adults; it remains a common cause of snakebite in its range.
How is it distinguished from other green pit vipers?
It typically shows a pale lateral stripe along the lower body, especially in males, and a reddish tail tip in some populations, combined with its geographic range in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Does it lay eggs?
No, it is ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young.
Where is it typically found?
In forests, bamboo groves, tea plantations, and gardens across southern China, Taiwan, and northern Vietnam.
Chinese Green Tree Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Chinese Green Tree Viper.
