Borneo Pit Viper

About the Borneo Pit Viper

Craspedocephalus borneensis, commonly known as the Bornean pit viper, is a venomous pit viper species endemic to the island of Borneo. No subspecies are currently recognized. Scalation includes 19–21 rows of dorsal scales at midbody, 152–180 ventral scales, undivided anal scale, 45–58 divided subcaudal scales, and 8–11 supralabial scales.

Its coloration varies. Individuals may be brown with darker brown saddles, or light brown with a few darker markings, or even bright yellow with darker markings. Adults may attain 83 cm (33 in) in snout-vent length (SVL).

Craspedocephalus borneensis is found on the island of Borneo (Brunei, Kalimantan, Sabah, Sarawak) as well as in the Natuna Islands. The type locality given is "Sarawack" (= Sarawak, Borneo). It is found in forests below an altitude of 1,130 m (3,710 ft). Even though the tail is prehensile, adults are usually on the forest floor. Juveniles may be in low vegetation.

Craspedocephalus borneensis preys upon small rodents and small birds. Whether this species of Craspedocephalus lays eggs or bears live young is as yet unknown. Wikipedia →