Tropidolaemus subannulatus (Gray, 1842)

Scientific Classification

The Borneo Keeled Green Pit Viper, scientifically named Tropidolaemus subannulatus (Gray, 1842), displays a range of body colors.

Dorsal Body Coloration

Individuals are generally bright green, marked with many thin crossbands. In some local populations, the background body color ranges from light green to blue. The crossbands are variable, and can be a combination of blue, red, or white.

Ventral Coloration

Females may have blue or red dots on their underbelly, while juveniles and males only have red dots on their underbellies.

Sexual Size Dimorphism

Females are much larger than males: females can reach a maximum total length of 96 cm, while males grow to a maximum length of 46 cm.

Distribution and Habitat

This is one of the most common viper species encountered in the lowland rainforests of Borneo.

Diet

Its diet consists of birds, small mammals, and frogs.

Reproduction

This species is ovoviviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young.

Morphological Adaptations

It is an arboreal species, and possesses a prehensile tail.

Vertical Habitat Range

It can be found in vegetation at low levels up to heights of 20 meters above ground.

Camouflage

Like many other arboreal snakes, this species has disrupted green coloration that gives it excellent camouflage among tree foliage, hiding it from both predators and prey.