kids encyclopedia robot

Trimeresurus jerdonii facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts


Quick facts for kids
Trimeresurus jerdonii
Protobothropsjerdonii.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Subphylum:
Class:
Order:
Suborder:
Family:
Subfamily:
Genus:
Trimeresurus
Species:
T. jerdonii
Binomial name
Trimeresurus jerdonii
Günther, 1875
Protobothrops jerdonii distribution.png
Synonyms
  • Trimeresurus jerdonii - Günther, 1875
  • Lachesis jerdonii - Boulenger, 1896
  • Lachesis melli - Vogt, 1922
  • Trimeresurus jerdonii melli - Mell, 1931
  • T[rimeresurus]. j[erdonii]. jerdoni - Bourret, 1936
  • Trimeresurus jerdoni - M.A. Smith, 1943
  • Trimeresurus jerdoni bourreti - Klemmer, 1963
  • P[rotobothrops]. jerdoni - Hoge & Romano-Hoge, 1983
  • Protobothrops jerdonii jerdonii - Welch, 1988
  • Protobothrops jerdonii bourreti - Welch, 1988
  • Protobothrops jerdonii meridionalis - Welch, 1988
  • Protobothrops jerdonii xanthomelas - Welch, 1988

The Trimeresurus jerdonii is a type of venomous pitviper. These snakes are found in several countries across Asia. They live in places like India, Burma, Tibet, China, and Vietnam.

Scientists currently recognize three different types, or subspecies, of this snake. Each subspecies might have slightly different features or live in specific areas.

Where Does This Snake Live?

The Trimeresurus jerdonii snake lives in a wide area. You can find them starting from Assam in India. Their home range then stretches through northern Burma and into Tibet. They also live in parts of China, including areas like Hupeh, Szechwan, and Yunnan. Finally, they are also found in Vietnam.

The first time this snake was officially described, it was found in the Khasi Hills in India. This place is known as its "type locality."

What Does It Look Like?

These snakes can grow to be quite long. Male Trimeresurus jerdonii snakes can reach a total length of about 83.5 centimeters (about 33 inches). Their tails can be up to 14 centimeters (about 5.5 inches) long.

Female snakes are generally a bit larger than males. They can grow up to 99 centimeters (about 39 inches) long. Their tails can be as long as 16 centimeters (about 6.3 inches).

Meet the Subspecies

There are three main types, or subspecies, of the Trimeresurus jerdonii snake. Each one has its own specific name and lives in different parts of Asia.

Subspecies Name Discovered By Common Name Where It Lives
T. j. bourreti Klemmer, 1963 Bourret's Pitviper Northwestern Vietnam, in provinces like Lao Cai and Lai Chau. It might also live in nearby China (Yunnan).
T. j. jerdonii Günther, 1875 Jerdon's Pitviper Southwestern China (southern Xizang, western Sichuan, and Yunnan). Also found in northeastern India, Burma (Chin and Kachin states), and northeastern Nepal.
T. j. xanthomelas Günther, 1889 Red Spotted Pitviper Central and southern China, in provinces such as Henan, Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, Guizhou, Hubei, and Guangxi.

Images for kids

kids search engine
Trimeresurus jerdonii Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.