Philippine Palm Viper

Trimeresurus Flavomaculatus Mcgregori

This species of viper is found in the Islands of Batan and Sabtang in the Batanes group of islands. They favour high grasses, underbrush and high volcanic rock to which they will readily retreat upon the slightest disturbance or threat. They feed primarily on rodents. Although this species is fairly common on the islands, pressure from illegal collecting for pet trade will become a concern in the future.

 

Identification

This species can achieve a total length up to 90 cm. Females are relatively larger and males both in length and girth. Once sexually dichromatic (females being yellow and males being silver or brown) both snake display extreme variability in dorsal coloration.