Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4
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Family : VIPERIDAE
Species : Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus
Maximum Size : 100 cm
A species of mangroves and
coastal forests, the Shore Pit Viper has a reputation for being
unpredictable and should be approached with caution. Giving no warning signs,
this snake will strike readily at any threat, and its powerful haemotoxic venom can
cause serious illness or even kill. By day it can be found resting on low branches one or two metres from
the ground.
Its colour can vary from a
uniform dark grey or purplish-brown to a weakly-patterned brown, with a
white stripe along each flank, or even greenish-yellow with dark mottling.
The scales are strongly keeled (i.e. ridged).
The species ranges from
India and Myanmar, through Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia to Singapore and
Sumatra.
Fig 1 : Brown and cream coloured specimen in
back-beach, fringing mangrove at Pulau
Sugi, Riau Archipelago, Indonesia.
Fig 2 : Another image of the same specimen, showing the diamond patterning on
the tail.
Fig 3 : Dark brown specimen in mangrove inlet, Sungei
Buloh, Singapore.
Fig 4 : Greyish-brown specimen at Pasir Ris mangrove, Singapore.
References :
Manthey U., Grossmann W., 1997. Amphibien und Reptilien Sudostasiens.
Natur und Tier - Verlag.
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