About Trimeresurus venustus Vogel, 1991
Taxonomic Identification
Trimeresurus venustus (Vogel, 1991) is a species of pit viper with a slender body that reaches approximately 580 mm (23 in) in length.
Body Size
Like all pit vipers, it has a triangular head.
Head Shape
Its labial scales are green with brown patches, and it has a distinct dark postorbital stripe.
Labial Scales and Postorbital Stripe
Its characteristic body coloration ranges from vibrant green to olive green, with brown or reddish-orange bands running along the full length of its body.
General Body Coloration
Males have an olive or bluish-green dorsal area, while females have a grass-green dorsal area.
Sexual Dimorphism in Dorsal Color
It has a short, slightly flattened snout that bears a small ridge, and it has heat-sensing pits located between its nostrils.
Snout and Heat-Sensing Pits
Its irises are light orange with brown specks.
Iris Coloration
Its dorsal scales are strongly keeled, with a scale count of 21 – 21 – 15.
Dorsal Scales
This species is native to southern Thailand, and also occurs in northern peninsular Malaysia.
Geographic Range
It is primarily arboreal, and inhabits areas up to 700 m (2,300 ft) in elevation.
Habitat Elevation and Lifestyle
Habitats it occupies include limestone hills, shaded humid valleys, rubber tree plantations, and both primary and secondary rainforests.
Specific Habitat Types
Trimeresurus venustus is ovoviviparous.
