Tropidolaemus
Tropidolaemus is a genus of venomous pit vipers found in southern India and Southeast Asia.[1] Currently, 5 species are recognised and no subspecies.[2]
Tropidolaemus are sexually dimorphic. Females can attain total lengths of up to 1 metre (39⅜ inches), but males are typically only around 75 cm (29+1⁄2 in). They have a distinctly broad, triangular-shaped head and a relatively thin body.
They are found in a wide variety of colours and patterns, which are often referred to as "phases". Some sources even classify the different phases as subspecies. Phases vary greatly from having a black or brown colouration as a base, with orange and yellow banding, to others having a light green as the base colour, with yellow or orange banding, and many variations therein.
These species are primarily arboreal, and are excellent climbers. They spend most of their time nearly motionless, in wait for prey to pass by. They may be diurnal or nocturnal, with their activity period depending on the temperature.[3]
The average litter consists of between twelve and fifteen young, with the neonates measuring 12–15 cm (4¾-5⅞ inches) in total length.[3]
Two species here were once classified as Trimeresurus, but were given their own genus due to distinct morphological characteristics.
