Leaf Nose Pit Viper

Snakes ~ Vipers ~ Leaf Nose Pit Viper

The leaf-nose pit-viper occurs throughout Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia in lowland rainforest, but it is considered an uncommon species. This pit-viper is semi-arboreal and thick-bodied, though it does not grow very long. The rostral scales extend like a blunt fork, giving the appearance of a leaf protruding from its snout. On the dorsum and flanks are a series of dark mottled bands while the tail tip is dull brown and blunt. The ventrals are greyish red and patches of faint white colouration may occur one or two scales above.

Males have a more complex patterning, usually in the number of bands and spots. This species has highly variable colouration, ranging from green to grey and yellow to reddish brown. This viper species is highly aggressive and can sometimes be found hidden within deep bushes and shrubs. Bites from this species are very rare, but the venom should be considered highly-dangerous due to the author's experience. In the wild, the leaf-nose viper hunts frogs, lizards and small mammals for prey. Other subspecies of the leaf nose viper occur in Southeast Asia, including Borneo and Indonesia (Java and Sumatra).