Snake, White Lipped Tree Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris)
Size
The males of this species reach a length of only around 20 inches, while the females can in some cases double this to almost 40 inches.
Habitat and Distribution
This tropical snake spends almost its whole life living in trees and shrubs. It can be found throughout areas of India, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Southern China.
Age
This species is known to live for around 25 years.
Groups and Breeding
During most of the year this species sits alone amongst the leaves, however they come together at the end of the cooler season to mate. After mating the female will give birth to around 15 live young, after a gestation period of 6 months.
Diet
This snake feeds on small birds, lizards, amphibians and when available in the trees, small mammals.
Threats
This species is very prolific in the wild and is not listed as vulnerable to threats to its population as yet. However it is affected by 2 influences which may well change this in the future. Firstly it is still regularly caught from the wild for the pet trade, and secondly much of its habitat is under threat from logging activity.
Interesting fact's
This snake does not wrap around its prey to kill it, instead it has 2 needle sharp fangs which inject its prey with venom.