The Philippine pit viper (Trimeresurus flavomaculatus) is a highly venomous pit viper species found only in the Philippines. It is one of the most venomous snakes in the world for which there is no antivenom yet.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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ArborealArboreal locomotion is the locomotion of animals in trees. In habitats in which trees are present, animals have evolved to move in them. Some anima...
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OvoviviparousOvoviviparity, ovovivipary, ovivipary, or aplacental viviparity is a term used as a "bridging" form of reproduction between egg-laying oviparous an...
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Ambush predatorAmbush predators are carnivorous animals that capture or trap prey by stealth, luring, or by (typically instinctive) strategies utilizing an elemen...
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Highly venomousHighly venomous animals are able to produce the most toxic venom which is considered to be one of the most debilitating and potentially deadly.
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withThe scalation of this species includes 21 rows of dorsal scales at midbody, 170-178/175-184 ventral scales in males/females, 62-71/58-63 subcaudal scales in males/females, and 9-11 supralabial scales of which the 3rd is the largest. Female Philippine pit vipers are usually larger than males.
These snakes are found on the Philippine islands of Agutayan, Batan, Camiguin, Catanduanes, Dinagat, Jolo, Leyte, Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, and Polillo. They inhabit lowland moist forests, forest edges, and plantations.
Philippine pit vipers are arboreal and often seen perching on tree branches where they rest or hunt their prey. The coloration of these snakes helps them blend into their surroundings and makes them proficient ambush predators. They also descend to the ground floor and frequently hunt frogs near bodies of water. They usually hunt during the nighttime hours. Philippine pit vipers are typically not aggressive by their nature but if cornered or threatened they will defend themselves and can strike.
Philippine pit vipers are carnivores that prey on small mammals, lizards, frogs, and sometimes birds.
Philippine pit vipers are ovoviviparous, meaning that females do not lay their eggs but instead give birth to live young. It is known that they can give birth to between 10 and 20 young per litter.
Although not being threatened, these snakes suffer from the loss of their native habitat, collection for the pet trade, and persecution.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Philippine pit viper population size. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, but its numbers today are decreasing.
Philippine pit vipers help control populations of small rodents and thus keep their natural habitat healthy.
