Philippine Pit Viper
Trimeresurus flavomaculatus
A slender arboreal pit viper endemic to the Philippines, variable in color from green to brown with yellow speckling.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Philippines (various islands including Luzon)
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Overview
The Philippine pit viper is one of several arboreal pitvipers endemic to the Philippine archipelago, occupying forest habitats across multiple islands. It belongs to the diverse Trimeresurus group of Asian green pit vipers, though this species shows more variable coloration than most.
It is a sit-and-wait predator typical of arboreal vipers, relying on camouflage and a triangular, heat-sensing head to ambush small vertebrates.
How to identify it
- Slender body, prehensile tail
- Coloration variable: green, olive, or brown base with yellow or cream speckling/mottling
- Triangular head distinct from narrow neck
- Vertically elliptical pupils
- Keeled dorsal scales giving a rough texture
- Distinguished from sympatric Trimeresurus by speckled pattern rather than uniform green
Habitat & range
Found in lowland and montane forests across several Philippine islands, often in low vegetation, shrubs, and forest edge. Occurs from near sea level up into mid-elevation hill forest.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, coiling on branches and vines during the day and hunting at night. Feeds on small lizards, frogs, and rodents. Ambush predator using heat-sensing pits to locate warm-bodied prey. Reproduction is viviparous like most pitvipers.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Philippine pit viper dangerous?
Yes, it is venomous, though bites are uncommon due to its arboreal, reclusive habits.
Where is it found?
It is endemic to the Philippines, occurring on several islands in forested habitats.
What does it eat?
Small lizards, frogs, and occasionally small rodents.
Is it arboreal?
Yes, it spends most of its time coiled in low shrubs and branches.
Philippine Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Philippine Pit Viper.
