Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Trimeresurus
Species:	purpureomaculatus
Synonyms
Trigonocephalus purpureo-maculatus Gray, 1832 Trimesurus purpureus Gray, 1842 Trimesurus carinatus Gray, 1842 C[ryptelytrops]. carinatus – Cope, 1860 [Trimesurus] porphyraceus Blyth, 1861 Trimeresurus purpureus – Günther, 1864 T[rimeresurus]. carinatus – Theobald, 1868 Crotalus Trimeres[urus]. carinatus – Higgins, 1873 Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus – Boulenger, 1890 Lachesis purpureomaculatus – Boulenger, 1896 Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus – M.A. Smith, 1943 Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus purpureomaculatus – M.A. Smith, 1943 Cryptelytrops purpureomaculatus – Malhotra & Thorpe, 2004 Trimeresurus (Trimeresurus) purpureomaculatus – David et al.

The Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus is a type of venomous snake known as a pit viper. It lives in countries like India, Bangladesh, and parts of Southeast Asia. People often call it the mangrove pit viper, mangrove viper, or shore pit viper because it's often found near coastal areas and mangrove forests.

What Does the Mangrove Pit Viper Look Like?

This snake can grow to different sizes. Male mangrove pit vipers can reach a total length of about 66.5 centimetres (26.2 in). Females are usually larger, growing up to 90 centimetres (35 in) long. Their tails are also different lengths. Males have tails up to 12.5 centimetres (4.9 in), while females have tails up to 14 centimetres (5.5 in).

Small individual from Singapore

Scales and Markings

The mangrove pit viper has many scales on its body. It has 25 to 27 rows of scales around the middle of its body. The scales on its head are small and can feel bumpy or grainy. It also has special scales above its eyes that are very narrow.

The body color of this snake can change a lot. It can be olive green, grayish, or even a dark purplish-brown on its back. Its belly can be whitish, greenish, or brown. Sometimes, the belly has brown spots. Some snakes might have a light line along their side, right next to their belly scales. The head is usually olive green with brown shading.

Where Does the Mangrove Pit Viper Live?

You can find the mangrove pit viper in several countries across Asia. It lives in Bangladesh, Burma (also known as Myanmar), Thailand, West Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. In Indonesia, it has been found on the islands of Sumatra and Java. The first place this snake was officially recorded was in Singapore.

What Are Its Other Names?

Besides Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus, this snake is known by several common names. These include:

• Mangrove pit viper
• Mangrove viper
• Shore pit viper
• Purple-spotted pit viper
• Shore pitviper