Wagler's Pit Viper

About the Wagler's Pit Viper in Singapore

Last updated 3 June 2026

The Wagler’s Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri) is a strikingly patterned snake often found in forests and sometimes gardens throughout Southeast Asia. This snake is best known for their vibrant green colour with colourful bands or markings, making them easy to spot when resting on branches. Although venomous, they prefer to stay still and avoid people, only striking if disturbed.

Identifying features

Check out some of the identifying features of the Wagler’s Pit Viper below.

Wagler’s Pit Vipers are characterized by a thick body and a broad, triangular head. Juveniles of both sexes start life with a bright green body speckled with spots, but they diverge significantly as they mature. While adult males retain this juvenile colouration and smaller size for their entire lives, the female undergoes a dramatic transformation. The female grows much larger (up to a metre in length) and adopts a striking new appearance, often displaying vivid bands of yellow or white against a dark background.

Habitat and ecology

These pit vipers usually rest coiled on branches or shrubs in forests, parks, and gardens. They are mostly active at night (nocturnal), waiting patiently to ambush prey like small birds, rodents, and lizards. Instead of chasing, they rely on their camouflage and quick strike to catch food.

The females are known for their remarkable ability to give birth to a large number of live young, sometimes up to 30 at a time, and each newborn is already independent.

Did you know?

You might notice that the Wagler's Pit Vipers have heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils, which help them find warm-blooded prey even at night!