White-lipped island pit viper | Chester Zoo animals

About

The white-lipped island pit viper, also known as a blue viper gets its nickname for their bright blue-green scales.

The blue subspecies we have here at the zoo, are native to Komodo island in Indonesia. The ‘blue viper’ is venomous, and uses this venom to weaken its prey!

White-lipped island pit viper facts

SPECIES

I am a Reptile

They have bright blue-green scales to help them camouflage and ambush their prey.

FOUND IN

Indonesia

They are native to the Komodo island but can also be found in other regions of southeast Asia.

HABITAT

Forests

Typically monsoon forests, but they can also be found in agricultural areas and bushlands.

DIET

Carnivores

These blue vipers eat birds, frogs & small mammals, and they have hollow hinged fangs which they use to inject venom into their prey!

BEHAVIOUR

Nocturnal & arboreal (they live in the trees!)

You'll find the blue viper up in the trees and most active at nighttime as they hunt for their prey.

AVERAGE SIZE

81cm

Males are slightly smaller at 60cm.

LIFE SPAN

9 to 11 years

In Komodo, females will give birth around the start of the rainy season at the latter end of the year and can birth up to 17 young in one gestation period.

ZOO LOCATION

Realm of the Red Ape

Head up the ramp and keep your eyes peeled for this striking viper.

IUCN red list statusLeast Concern

Threats

Hunting or collection

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