The Andaman Pit Viper, scientifically known as Trimeresurus andersonii or Trimeresurus insularis undersold, is a venomous snake found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. These snakes belong to the Viperidae family and are characterized by their distinct appearance, potent venom, and preference for forested habitats. In this article, we will discuss various aspects of the Andaman Pit Viper in detail.
The Andaman Pit Viper is a relatively small snake, with adults measuring around 30-50 cm in length. The body is stout and cylindrical, with a short tail. The head is triangular, and the eyes are relatively large. The pupils are vertical, and there is a pit between the eye and nostril that is used to detect prey.
Scalation:
The scales of the Andaman Pit Viper are keeled, meaning they have a raised ridge along the center. They have 19-21 rows of dorsal scales and 142-162 ventral scales. The subcaudal scales are paired, and the anal plate is single.
- They have keeled scales, which means each scale has a raised ridge or keel running along the center.
- They have 19-21 rows of dorsal scales running down their back.
- They have 142-162 ventral scales on their belly.
- They have paired subcaudal scales, meaning two scales on each side of the underside of their tail.
- They have a single anal plate located near the base of their tail.
- These features are common to many species in the Viperidae family, but when combined, they help to identify Andaman Pit Viper as a distinct species.
Appearance:
The Andaman Pit Viper is primarily green or brown, with a series of dark crossbands or blotches on their back. The underside is cream or yellowish. Juveniles have a brighter coloration than adults.
Natural History:
The Andaman Pit Viper is primarily nocturnal and is an ambush predator, hiding in vegetation or under rocks and waiting for prey to come within range. Their diet includes small rodents, lizards, and frogs.
Habitat:
The Andaman Pit Viper is found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. They prefer forested habitats and can be found in tropical and subtropical forests.
Behavior:
The Andaman Pit Viper is generally docile and prefers to avoid human contact. When threatened, they may coil and strike, but they are not aggressive unless provoked. They are also known to hiss loudly when threatened.
Reproduction:
The Andaman Pit Viper is oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. The female will lay a clutch of 2-5 eggs in a moist, protected area. The eggs hatch after 50-60 days, and the juveniles are independent from birth.
Location:
The Andaman Pit Viper is found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.
Venom:
The Andaman Pit Viper is venomous and has potent venom that can cause significant tissue damage and even death in humans. The venom is primarily hemotoxic, meaning it destroys red blood cells and damages blood vessels, leading to swelling, bleeding, and tissue death. The strength of the venom varies depending on the individual snake and the location, but it is considered to be one of the most dangerous venomous snakes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Andaman Pit Viper is a unique and fascinating species of snake found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. They prefer forested habitats and have a distinct appearance with dark crossbands or blotches on their back. Their venom is potent and can cause significant tissue damage and even death in humans. Despite their venomous nature, they are generally docile and prefer to avoid human contact.
