Re. 17 TRIMERESURUS(Asian Pit Vipers)

 

Phylum: Chordata

Class   : Reptilia

Order  : Squamata

Family : Viperidae

Genus : Trimeresurus

DESCRIPTION

Trimeresurus is a genus of venomous pit vipers found in Asia from the Indian sub continent throughout southeast asia, china and the Pacific Islands. Currently 44 species are recognized. Common names include Asian palm pit vipers, Asian lanceheads, and green pit vipers. Most species in the genus Trimeresurus are relatively small, primarily arboreal species, with thin bodies and prehensile tails. Most Trimeresurus species are typically green in color, but some species also have yellow, black, orange, red, or gold markings. The diet of Trimeresurus species includes a variety of animals, including lizards, amphibians, birds, rodents and other small mammals.

Like most viper species, many of the species in the genus Trimeresurus are oviparous, bearing live young. However, some species such as T. flavoviridis, T. kaulpacks, and T. macrolepis are oviparous, laying eggs. Also, the reproductive biology of some Trimeresurus species is as yet unknown.

IUCN Status: Endangered