For clinical data see section “Risk” below
Genus/Species
Clinical entries
See also the other subgenera of the genus Trimeresurus: Trimeresurus (Craspedocephalus), Trimeresurus (Himalayophis), Trimeresurus (Parias), Trimeresurus (Popeia), Trimeresurus (Trimeresurus), Trimeresurus (Sinovipera), and Trimeresurus (Viridovipera)
Species
- 1. Trimeresurus (Peltopelor) macrolepis
The original genus Trimeresurus underwent substantial revision.
On behalf of molecular and morphological findings Malhotra and Thorpe 2004 split the genus Trimeresurus up into various new genera or reactivated ancient taxa. They proposed the genera Cryptelytrops, Himalayophis, Parias, Peltopelor, Popeia and Viridovipera.
David et al. (2011) proposed to adapt the findings of Malhotra and Thorpe but to define the new genera as 'clades'/subgenera.
See also Trimeresurus (Craspedocephalus) sp. for detailed discussion about the revision of the genus Trimeresurus.
Taxonomy
Common names
- 1. Large-scaled pitviper
Distribution
Southern India (Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamilnadu)
Biology
Body lengthength under 70 cm, with a prehensil tail. Bright green coloring with a yellow or white stripe on each side of the body. Upper lip pale green. Lives in altitudes between 1200 - 2700 meters above sea level.
Arboreal and also on the ground. Nocturnal, lives in rainforests, and is also found in tea, coffee and cardamom plantations.
Danger
Local effects described (Whitaker 1972).
Literature (biological)
Malhotra & Thorpe 2004, David et al. 2011