Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Serpentes Scientific name Trimeresurus kaulbacki Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Order Squamata Family Viperidae Higher classification Trimeresurus | |
Similar Vipers, Trimeresurus, Snake, Trimeresurus labialis, Trimeresurus cantori | ||
Protobothrops kaulbacki is a venomous pit viper species endemic to Asia. No subspecies are currently recognized.
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Etymology
The specific name, kaulbacki, is in honor of Ronald Kaulback.
Description
Adult males may attain a total length of 134 cm (53 in), which includes a tail 22.5 cm (8.9 in) long. Females may grow longer: maximum total length 141 cm (56 in), tail 23 cm (9.1 in).
Dorsally, it is green, with a vertebral series of dark angular spots, which may be joined to form a zigzag stripe. The top of the head is black with yellow stripes. Ventrally, except for the whitish throat area, it is gray with large squarish or crescent-shaped yellow spots.
Scalation includes 25 rows of dorsal scales at midbody, 201-212 ventral scales, 66-78 subcaudal scales, and 8 supralabial scales of which the third is the largest.
Geographic range
P. kaulbacki had originally been known only from the type locality, which is "Pangnamdim, north of the Triangle, Upper Burma" (Myanmar). In 2005 it was reported that it is also found in China. Recently, this species is reported from Northeast India. Currently, It is known from single location in India at Dafla Hills in Papum Pare District, Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India.
Reproduction
This species is oviparous. The adult female lays a clutch of 6-32 eggs in a hole in the ground, and then remains with the eggs to guard them. Eggs measure 48–53 mm x 26–27 mm (about 2 in x 1 in). The hatchlings are 26–27 cm (about 10½ inches) in total length.