Scientists and biologists from various countries have traveled to the coastal region of Central Vietnam to study, survey, and discover a new species of green pit viper.
According to a scientific report published in the journal Zootaxa, these scientists and biologists conducted field research in several coastal forests in Southern Vietnam in 2023 to survey the wildlife in the area.
During this field trip, researchers found dozens of green pit vipers with striking yellow eyes.
Notably, a green pit viper measuring approximately 63 cm was discovered by scientists in the forest of Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam. This specimen stood out with its yellow eyes and blue lips. The researchers found this viper while it was camouflaged on a tree.
Close-up of the newly discovered green pit viper in Vietnam (Photo: Nick Poyarkov and colleagues).
Initially, scientists believed these snakes belonged to a known species. However, after a thorough examination of the captured specimens, they discovered distinct characteristics that identified them as a completely new species.
The scientists named this new species green-lipped pit viper, with the scientific name Trimeresurus cyanolabris. The term “cyanolabris” originates from Latin, where “cyaneus” means “dark blue” and “labrum” means “lip”, referring to the distinctive blue markings on the snake’s lips.
According to the study, this new species of viper differs from known green pit vipers in terms of scale count, coloration, and eye appearance. DNA analysis also revealed at least 6% genetic divergence from other known green pit viper species.
The green-lipped pit viper is identified as a small species, measuring around 60 cm in length. This snake has a long, slender body, with a distinctly triangular head set apart from the neck. It features large, bright yellow eyes prominently displayed on its face.
The newly discovered green pit viper is characterized by its large, bright yellow eyes (Photo: Nick Poyarkov and colleagues).
This snake has a green body, transitioning to yellow-green on the sides and belly, with a dark red stripe at the tip of its tail. True to its name, it has a blue stripe along the lips, jaw, and throat.
Close-up of the head of a green-lipped pit viper specimen collected by scientists (Photo: ResearchGate).
The green-lipped pit viper inhabits coastal forests in Central Vietnam, being most active at dusk and during the night. During the day, they often stay hidden on low branches or in tree hollows.
Researchers also found green-lipped pit vipers on rocks near rivers and in dense underbrush on the ground.
Research results indicate that this species feeds on small frogs and lizards.
Like other green pit viper species, the green-lipped pit viper possesses venom that is dangerous to humans, but scientists have yet to conduct thorough research on its venom.
So far, green-lipped pit vipers have been found in several lowland areas from Phu Yen to Ninh Thuan. Researchers predict that this species may have a wider distribution.
The research team that discovered this new viper species includes two biologists from Vietnam, Nguyen Van Tan and Le Dak Xuan, along with scientists from various countries including Sabira Idiiatullina, Andrey Bragin, Nikolay Poyarkov (all from Russia), Parinya Pawangkhanant (Thailand), Gernot Vogel (Germany), and Patrick David (France).
