exotic-venom:

(Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus) mangrove pitviper

Description

Medium-sized, fairly stout-bodied pitviper, adults usually 70-80 cm long (max. 105+ cm). Body purplish-brown, olive or grayish; often w/ white line along each side. May have series of large brownish saddle-shaped markings w/ small spots on flanks (rarely, totally unmarked), 25-27 midbody dorsal rows of strongly-keeled scales. Belly whitish (scales black-edged), light greenish, or pale brown; often w/ darker gray or light-brown speckling along sides. Head dark above w/ keeled scales.

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Habitat

Widely distributed along rocky coastal areas in mangrove & coastal swampy forests within its range. Occur very often on offshore islands, but may also be found in inland bamboo jungles up to 600 m elevation. Limited mainly to coastal areas of Southeast Asia (several countries), Singapore & Indonesia.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly nocturnal, but active during day; mainly terrestrial, but commonly encountered in low bushes. Very aggressive, strikes w/ little provocation. Readily enter & swim in salt water & often move to & from near-shore islands. Mainly eat lizards & birds (juveniles eat frogs & lizards). Ovoviviparous w/ 7-14 young/ litter.

Venom Characteristics

Potent hemotoxin. Envenomation may cause severe pain, local swelling involving entire bitten limb, tender enlargement of local lymph nodes, local necrosis, & incoagulable blood. Bites common. Human deaths reported but not very common.