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Family : VIPERIDAE
Species : Tropidolaemus laticinctus
Maximum Size : 100 cm ?
The Broad-banded Pit Viper
inhabits humid lowland to hill rainforest on the Indonesian island of
Sulawesi, up to elevations of at least 700 metres (Figs 2 and 3 were seen at
this elevation).
This snake was formerly considered as part of the
Wagler's Pit Viper species complex,
being often referred to as the 'red form', but was recently separated from
that group and described as a new species (Kuch et al, 2007).
This species lacks the pronounced age-related or gender-related variation in
colour and patterning seen in Wagler's Pit Viper and some other related
species.
Its distinctive, and visually stunning, dorsal body patterning comprises
complex purplish to brick-red bands, separated by bright green mottling with
complex white edging. Its ventral patterning comprises complex reddish to
purplish broken bands which join to form a mid-ventral stripe on a white
background.
The triangular head is equally distinctive, being mottled brown, green and
pale yellow on the top and sides. The eyes is of moderate size, and the iris
is orange. The short, prehensile tail has a reddish tip.
Little is known of the ecology of this species.
The Broad-banded Pit Viper is endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi,
and is known to occur in the northern and central provinces of that island
('Sulawesi Utara' and 'Sulawesi Tengah' respectively) and possibly the
southern province ('Sulawesi Selatan').
Fig 1 : Example from Tangkoko National Pak, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
It had assumed a defensive pose as it was being harassed by a group of
Celebes Crested
Macaques. Photo thanks to Remco Hoffland.
Fig 2 : Adult from hill forest edge, north of Tomohon, North Sulawesi,
at an elevation of around 700 metres.
Fig 3 : Juvenile from hill forest, north of Tomohon, North Sulawesi, at
an elevation of around 700 metres.
Figs 2 and 3 thanks to
Michael
Leitzinger.
References :
Kuch, U.; Gumprecht, A. & Melaun, C. 2007. A new species of Temple
Pitviper (Tropidolaemus Wagler, 1830) from Sulawesi, Indonesia
(Squamata: Viperidae: Crotalinae). Zootaxa 1446: 1–20
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