Bornean Leaf-nosed Pit Viper

Description:

This species was originally described from Sarawak, but is widely distributed in all forested parts of Borneo. It is closely related to Trimeresurus puniceus, a species occurring in Java, Sumatra and the Malaysian Peninsula. Tri = three, mere = part, and surus from oura = tail. This name may be derived from the pattern of colors on the caudal scales of several species, giving the impression of a tail divided lengthwise into three equal parts. Borneensis = the palce of origin. This Pit Viper is thick-bodies as an adult, but almost slender as a juvenile. It has the triangular head typical of pit vipers. The head has four to six slightly enlarged scales that project, leaf-like over the snout and nostril. Maximum known length is under one meter with a short tail. The tail is prehensile. Scale on top of the head are small and smooth; those on the side of the head behind the eye are keeled. The supraocular scale above the eye may be divided into two or three scales. The eye, which has a vertical pupil, is separated from the upper labials by several rows of small scales. The body scales are smooth or faintly keeled. At mid-body, there are 21 rows of scales, reducing to 14 rows near the tail. This pit viper is brown with black-edged saddles across the back, and a row of light spots low on the sides. The markings become more intense in the rear portion of the body. the only pattern on the head is an oblique yellowish stripe from the eye to the neck. This species is well camouflaged, especially when the snake is on the leaf litter of the forest floor. The underside is greyish brown to brown, becoming darker towards the rear. In young snakes the tail is yellow, contrasting sharply with the body color. They are venomous and do not hesitate to strike when approach.

Habitat:

Native to Borneo island, found in woodland and forested areas up to around 1,000 masl

Notes:

Saw this Pit Viper during a night walk deep into the forest trail. Less than 1 feet away was a Frog (see the immediate spotting before this http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/108... ) perched on a leaf. When I started to take close-up pictures of it, it hisses and shows signs of striking, so I had to back-off. Then I waited for nearly 30 minutes, with low light, to see if it will be able to get the Frog for food, but nothing happened, fortunately or unfortunately. The next day, when talking to the guide at the Park, I showed him the picture to try to identify the Snake and he was surprised as for more than 10 years he was working in the Park and guiding guests, he had never came across this Pit Viper. so I guess this sighting makes if more special to me :)