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Description

งูเขียวตุ๊กแก.

Tropidolaemus wagleri.

This viper is notable for an extreme display of sexual dimorphism: The female individuals are unmistakeable with their powerful, bulky physique and striking colouration (Thailand houses the "classic" appearance of this species while different morphs and colourations are known from Borneo and Sumatra). Males, on the other hand, differ so dramatically from the females that they could easily pass as juveniles or even a complete different species. Not only do they stay much smaller, they're also missing the complex pattern that is present in females and are mostly green instead, with red spots and a bright red lateral stripe.

Not in Thailand but Malaysia (Penang), there is a chinese temple called called Temple of the Azure Cloud, famous for inhabiting dozens of these vipers (hence their second common name Temple Viper). These specimens are said to be quite docile due to being exposed to the smoke of burning incense, although the snakes themselves are also venomoids (a term describing a snake that underwent the highly controversial practice of removing venom glands) to prevent any possible danger from the get-go.

Within the herpetoculture scene, T. wagleri is a much desired and sought after venomous snake, though it is very hard to keep as this viper does not tolerate the smallest mistake, perishing easily in captivity. Although not much is known about its venom (cases of bitten humans are rare and said to be not lethal), any bite should be taken very serious.

The Wagler's Pit Viper was named after German herpetologist Johann Georg Wagler who tragically died at the age of 32 after accidently shooting himself during collecting specimens and who is known for naming the (now extinct in the wild) Spix's macaw after Johann Baptist von Spix, of whom he was the personal assistant.

Its Thai name, though, does instead refer to the Tockay Gecko, which may be due to their similarly complex spotted pattern.

Snakes Of Thailand

Description

งูเขียวตุ๊กแก.

Tropidolaemus wagleri.

This viper is notable for an extreme display of sexual dimorphism: The female individuals are unmistakeable with their powerful, bulky physique and striking colouration (Thailand houses the "classic" appearance of this species while different morphs and colourations are known from Borneo and Sumatra). Males, on the other hand, differ so dramatically from the females that they could easily pass as juveniles or even a complete different species. Not only do they stay much smaller, they're also missing the complex pattern that is present in females and are mostly green instead, with red spots and a bright red lateral stripe.

Not in Thailand but Malaysia (Penang), there is a chinese temple called called Temple of the Azure Cloud, famous for inhabiting dozens of these vipers (hence their second common name Temple Viper). These specimens are said to be quite docile due to being exposed to the smoke of burning incense, although the snakes themselves are also venomoids (a term describing a snake that underwent the highly controversial practice of removing venom glands) to prevent any possible danger from the get-go.

Within the herpetoculture scene, T. wagleri is a much desired and sought after venomous snake, though it is very hard to keep as this viper does not tolerate the smallest mistake, perishing easily in captivity. Although not much is known about its venom (cases of bitten humans are rare and said to be not lethal), any bite should be taken very serious.

The Wagler's Pit Viper was named after German herpetologist Johann Georg Wagler who tragically died at the age of 32 after accidently shooting himself during collecting specimens and who is known for naming the (now extinct in the wild) Spix's macaw after Johann Baptist von Spix, of whom he was the personal assistant.

Its Thai name, though, does instead refer to the Tockay Gecko, which may be due to their similarly complex spotted pattern.

Snakes Of Thailand