Blue-Lipped Green Pitviper: A New Species of Venomous Snake Discovered in Vietnam

In the central Vietnamese dry tropical forests, a new species of venomous snake, Trimeresurus cyanolabris, has been discovered. This multicolored snake boasts a bright grass-green body, yellow eyes, brick red tail, and blue lips, chin and throat. As such, it is affectionately known as the blue-lipped green pitviper.

T. cyanolabris is most active during dusk and after nightfall when it feeds on small frogs and lizards. During the daytime hours, this snake can be found perched on branches or in tree hollows near streams. What sets T. cyanolabris apart from its 50 closely related Asian snakes is its unique coloring and smaller size.

Recently, researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia led by Sabira Idiiatullina confirmed the distinctiveness of T. cyanolabris through genetic analysis. In fact, they also discovered that its closest known relative is the red-eyed T. rubeus. Genetic methods are expected to uncover more Trimeresurus species in the future as this group of venomous snakes is known to be highly diverse.

However, the habitats of many Trimeresurus species are under threat due to deforestation which puts their survival at risk. More research and conservation efforts are necessary to protect these unique and fascinating snakes as well as their ecosystems.