The 'Siamese Peninsula Pit Viper' Popeia fucata was first acknowledged as a separate species in 2004. Prior to 2004 it was considered a variant of Pope's Pit Viper (formerly Trimeresurus popeiorum). 

There is significant local variation in patterning. A dual lateral stripe (white over red) generally extends along each flank, though in some specimens the red stripe is absent and in others the white stripe is also absent. Red-over-white postocular stripes (i.e. those immediately behind the eye) occur in many specimens, but in others this feature may be absent. (In some populations the latter feature may occur exclusively in males, though this is not certain).

Regular, dark banding may occur over the back, but this is generally very faint. The tail is reddish brown, sometimes banded, and the belly pale green.

The images presented here are of the same specimen which was found resting on a sapling two metres from the forest floor, on the Malaysian island of Langkawi. It remained on the same sapling for at least three days before heading deeper into the forest.

This stunning pit viper occurs in southern Thailand and northern Peninsular Malaysia, with an apparent stronghold on Langkawi.

 

Figs 1 to 3 : Three images of an adult Siamese Peninsula Pit Viper, seen at Datai Bay, Langkawi, northern Peninsular Malaysia. Note the well-developed postocular stripe (i.e. the red and white stripe immediately behind the eye).


Family : CROTALIDAE
Species :  Popeia fucata
Maximum Size : 86cm