[Herpetology • 2026] Ovophis langbianus • A New Species of the Ovophis tonkinensis species complex (Serpentes: Viperidae) from the Langbian Plateau, southern Vietnam

Ovophis langbianus

Poyarkov, Idiiatullina, Ustinova, Bragin, Le, Pawangkhanant, Pham, Suwannapoom, David, Vogel & Nguyen, 2206

 

Langbian Mountain Pitviper | Rắn lục núi Langbian || DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e206094

Abstract

A new species of the genus Ovophis Burger in Hoge & Romano-Hoge, 1981, is described from the Langbian Plateau, southern Vietnam, based on an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and molecular evidence. Ovophis langbianus sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a unique combination of diagnostic morphological characters and by significant genetic divergence in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Phylogenetic analyses recover the new species as the sister lineage of O. tonkinensis (Bourret), from which it differs in body proportions, head morphology, color pattern, and several meristic characters. Multivariate analyses of morphological variation further support the distinctiveness of the new species, with specimens of Ovophis langbianus sp. nov. and O. tonkinensis forming two well-separated groups in morphospace and exhibiting significant differences in centroid positions. The new species is currently known only from montane evergreen forests of the Langbian Plateau at elevations of approximately 800–2,230 m asl. The recognition of Ovophis langbianus sp. nov. further emphasizes the taxonomic complexity of the O. tonkinensis species group and, together with previous molecular evidence for a distinct Cao Bang (Vietnam)-Guangxi (China) lineage, highlights the need for a comprehensive reassessment of species boundaries within the complex.

Key Words: Biogeography, molecular phylogeny, morphology, mtDNA, Ovophis langbianus sp. nov., southern Annamite Mountains, systematics

Ovophis langbianus sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Ovophis langbianus sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) TaL/TL ratio 0.14–0.18 in males and 0.12–0.14 in females; (2) internasals usually in contact, rarely separated by one small scale; (3) second supralabial bordering loreal pit; (4) dorsal scale rows 25 (21, 23, 27)–21 (23, 25)–19 (15, 17); (5) ventrals 129–138; (6) dorsal scales strongly keeled; (7) subcaudals 36–44, all single; (8) fourth supralabial larger than third; (9) dorsal surface of head uniformly ...

Ovophis langbianus sp. nov. in life from Langbian Plateau, Vietnam — Lam Dong Province: Bidoup-Nui Ba NP: A. VRTC NAP-18223, adult male, holotype; Di Linh Commune: B. Dorsal view of ZMMU Re-18511, adult male, paratype; C. Head in lateral view of the ZMMU Re-18511; D. ZMMU Re-18512, adult male, paratype; E. Head in lateral view of the ZMMU Re-18512; F, G. Two adult individuals, sex undetermined. Dak Lak Province: — Chu Yang Sin NP: H. ZMMU Re-14068, adult male, paratype; I. Head in dorsal view of the ZMMU Re-14068.

Photographs by A.M. Bragin (A), N.A. Poyarkov (B, C, H, I), P. Pawangkhanant (D, E), and H.N.X. Nguyen (F, G).

Etymology. The specific epithet “langbianus” is a masculine Latin adjective derived from the name of the Langbian Plateau, the broader geographic region containing the type locality and the currently known distribution of the new species. The name highlights the biogeographic isolation of the Langbian Plateau, an important center of montane endemism in Indochina. 

We suggest the following common names for the new species: “Langbian Mountain Pitviper” (in English), “Rắn lục núi Langbian” (in Vietnamese), “Лангбианский горный щитомордник” (Langbianskiy gornyi schitomordnik, in Russian), and “Ovophis de Langbian” (in French).

 Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Sabira S. Idiiatullina, Darya A. Ustinova, Andrey M. Bragin, Son Xuan Le, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Hieu Minh Pham, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Patrick David, Gernot Vogel, Tan Van Nguyen. 2206. A New Species of the Ovophis tonkinensis species complex (Serpentes, Viperidae) from the Langbian Plateau, southern Vietnam. Herpetozoa. 39: 325-342. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e206094 [25-08-2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Ovophis medogensis • A New Species of the Genus Ovophis (Serpentes: Viperidae) from Xizang, China

 Ovophis medogensis 

 Liao, Shi, Luo, Huang, Lin, Giri & Wang, 2026

墨脱烙铁头蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2025.0067

Abstract

In 1981, Hoge & Romano-Hoge (1981) erected the genus Ovophis, one of the most widely distributed snake groups in Asia. Its distribution ranges westward from eastern Asia to Nepal, encompassing the entire East Asia and the Indochinese Peninsula. During recent herpetological surveys conducted near Medog County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China, a previously undescribed snake species was discovered. Based on integrated morphological and molecular evidence, this species is herein described as a new taxon: Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. This new species can be distinguished from all its congeners by the following combination of characters: possesses off-white spots on the ventral surface; lacks irregular markings on the dorsal surface of the head; body short and stout, with a brown dorsal ground color bearing 19-20 irregular black butterfly-shaped blotches; presence of a brownish-orange postorbital stripe; vertically elliptical pupil, brownish-black in color; dorsal surface of the tail with white dots extending to the tail tip; infralabials: 11 (12)/11 (10); the first and second pairs of infralabials in contact with chin shields; supralabials: mostly 8, occasionally 9; ventrals: 132-138; subcaudals: 39-49, mostly paired; dorsal scale rows 23-23-19; Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that the new species forms a well-supported distinct lineage, with a Bayesian posterior probability (BPP) of 1.00 and an ultrafast bootstrap (UFB) value of 100. Analyses of uncorrected pairwise genetic distances based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene showed that the genetic distances between the new species and other known species of the genus Ovophis range from 0.055 (vs. Ovophis monticola) to 0.135 (vs. Ovophis tonkinensis). The discovery of this new species further enhances our understanding of biodiversity in the eastern Himalayas and provides valuable insights into the taxonomy and evolutionary relationships of the genus.

Keywords: Medog, Cryptic diversity, Ovophis medogensis sp. nov., pit-viper, Eastern Himalayas

Photographs of individuals of  Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. (CIB 122660) in life.
Full view (A), dorsal view of head (B), left lateral view of head (C), and right lateral view of head (D).

Photographed by Shengchao SHI. 

The holotype (Adult male, specimen No. CIB 122661) of Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. in preservation.
Dorsal view of the body (A); ventral view of the body (B); dorsal view of the head (C); ventral view of the head (D); dorsal view of the midbody (E); right lateral view of the head (F); left lateral view of the head (G); ventral view of the midbody (H); lateral view of the midbody (I); dorsal view of the tail (J).

Photographed by Dihao WU.

Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. Liao, Shi, Luo, Huang, Lin, Rohit and Wang  

Diagnosis: A medium-sized species of Ovophis characterized by the following combination of characters: tail length to total length (TaL/TL) ratio 0.179–0.181 (N=4); internasal scales undivided or separated by 1 scale; second supralabial bordering the loreal pit; dorsal scale rows (DSR) 23(25)–23–19 (N=4); ventrals scales (VEN) 132–138 (N=4), bearing strong keels along the dorsal region; subcaudals scales (SC) 39–49 (N=4), mostly paired with occasional single undivided scales; third supralabial distinctly larger than the fourth (N=4); dorsal surface of the head lacking distinct markings; postocular region to neck with orange-red coloration; neck marked by two approximately parallel stripes; dorsal body brownish-yellow with irregular black, butterfly-shaped blotches; and dorsal surface of the tail or named with a continuous series of white spots.

Comparison of live morphologies of genus Ovophis from the Eastern Himalayan Region. Includes the following specimens: (A1–A3) O . monticola, (B1–B3) O. medogensis sp. nov., and (C1–C3) O. zayuensis.
O . monticola: A1 is one adult individual from Chhaimale, Nepal; A2 is one adult male individual from Majua, West Bengal, India; A3 is one adult male individual from Mangan, Sikkim, India;
O. medogensis sp. nov.: B1 is one juvenile individual from Medog, Xizang, China; B2 is one adult female individual from Medog, Xizang, China; B3 is one adult male individual from Medog, Xizang, China;
O. zayuensis: C1 is one adult female individual from Medog, Xizang, China; C2 is one adult male individual from Medog, Xizang, China; and C3 is one adult male individual from Medog, Xizang, China.

Photographic credits: (A1) photographed by Rohit GIRI; (A2, A3) photographed by Prajjwal RAY. (A2, A3) cited from the iNaturalist.org occurrence dataset (https://doi.org/10.15468/ab3s5x) via GBIF.org, used under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), with record numbers: A2 No. 248018996 and A3 No. 423862755. (B1, B2, C2, C3) photographed by Shengchao SHI, (B3) photographed by Zhonghao LUO, and (C1) photographed by Dihao WU.

Type locality habitat of Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. in Beibeng Township, Medog County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China.
A: Microhabitat; B: Overall habitat.

Photographed by Linghong LIAO. 

Etymology: The specific epithet medogensis refers to Medog County, the type locality of this species, and is chosen in recognition of the region’s exceptional herpetological diversity, which has facilitated the discovery of this new taxon. The proposed Chinese common name is “墨脱烙铁头蛇” (Mòtuō Làotiětóu Shé), directly derived from the type locality. The English common name is proposed as “Medog Pitviper”.

Linghong LIAO, Shengchao Shi, Zhonghao Luo, Yun Huang, Yiheng Lin, Rohit Giri and Bin Wang. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Ovophis Burger in Hoge & Romano-Hoge, 1981 (Serpentes, Viperidae) from Xizang, China. Asian Herpetological Research. DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2025.0067 [May 9, 2026]

[Herpetology • 2025] Trimeresurus hongheensis • Integrative Taxonomy identifies A New Species of Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Serpentes: Viperidae) from Yunnan Province, China

 

Trimeresurus hongheensis

Liang, Ding, Wang, Vogel, Shi, Gong, Wu & Chen, 2025 

 

红河竹叶青  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.24272/j.issn.2097-3772.2025.022

Abstract 

The genus Trimeresurus currently contains at least 56 recognized species of venomous terrestrial to arboreal species distributed across South and Southeast Asia. We collected several specimens of the subgenus Viridovipera in Yunnan Province, China in recent years. Based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis, we confirm that Trimeresurus yunnanensis is distributed in the west of the Honghe River in Yunnan Province and the Trimeresurus species living along the lower reaches of the Honghe River Basin and adjacent areas is an undescribed taxon. The new species Trimeresurus hongheensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all known congeners by the pairwise genetic divergence in the mitochondrial cytochrome-b (p-distance≥5.0%) and 16S rRNA gene fragment (p-distance≥0.5%), and morphologically by the combination of the following characters: (1) hemipenes short and strongly spinose, with deep bifurcation; (2) a white postocular stripe bordered above and below by red or only a white postocular stripe present in males; postocular stripe white or absent in females; (3) the ventrolateral stripe is red (below) and white (above) in males and white in females; (4) iris brick red or sepia in males; iris yellow or rusty-red in females; (5) VEN 150–165 in males and 157–165 in females; SC 61–76 in males and 56–61 in females; (6) dorsal tail mostly rusty red; (7) 9–12 cephalic scales; (8) 19 or 21 dorsal scale rows at mid-body; (9) first supralabial completely separated from the nasal scale.

Keywords: Mitochondrial DNA, Morphology, Honghe River, Phylogenetics, Trimeresurus hongheensis sp. nov., Viridovipera

Trimeresurus hongheensis sp. nov. in Yunnan, China, males (Left) and females (Right) in life
 A: Mingjiu, Mengzi (Holotype GXNU251201). B: Mingjiu, Mengzi (GXNU251218). C: Yuanjiang (Paratype GXNU251204). D: Yuanjiang (Paratype GXNU251205). E: Mt. Dawei, Pingbian County, Yunnan (Paratype GXNU251219). F: Yuanjiang (Paratype GXNU251203).

Photos by Li Ding.

Holotype (adult male GXNU251201) of Trimeresurus hongheensis sp. nov. 
A: Dorsal view of head; B: Ventral view of head; C: Lateral view of head; D: Lateral view of middle body; E: Dorsal view of the specimen; F: Ventral view of the specimen.

Photos by Sheng-Chao Shi. Scale bars: 10 mm (A, B, C, D); 3 cm (E, F).

Comparison of head shape and coloration between males and females in Trimeresurus hongheensis sp. nov. Left, dorsal view of head; right, lateral view of head.
A & B: Specimen GXNU251201 (holotype, male); C & D: Specimen GXNU251219 (paratype, male); E & F: Specimen GXNU251205 (paratype, female); G & H: GXNU251218 (female). A & C: Different head shape in males (more elongated skull vs short skull); B & D: Different iris color in males (brick red vs sepia); E & G: Different head shape in females (more elongated skull vs short skull); F & H: Different postocular stripe (present vs absent) and different iris color (yellow vs rusty-red) in females.

Photos by Sheng-Chao Shi.

 Trimeresurus hongheensis sp. nov. 

Etymology: The new species name “hongheensis” refers to its type locality, the area around the Honghe River Basin, which is a boundary of the new species and T. yunnanensis. For common name we suggested as “Honghe green pit-viper” in English and “Hóng hé Zhú Yè Qīng (红河竹叶青)” in Chinese.

Diagnosis: (1) Head and body dorsum dark green, venter yellow green or light green. (2) 80% of the tail is rusty red, gradually fusing backwards, with dark red at the end of the tail. (3) Interstitial skin black. (4) Head dark green above, light yellow or light green below, clearly defined. (5) Iris brick red or sepia in males; iris yellow or rusty-red in females. (6) A white postocular stripe bordered above and below by red or only a white postocular stripe present in males, occupying only about 1–2 rows of scales across; postocular stripe white or absent in females. (7) Vivid, broad, bicolored ventrolateral stripe, red below and white above in males, covering 1–2 scales thick; thin white ventrolateral stripe present on the first row of DSR in females. (8) First supralabials separated from nasals. (9) Internasals separated by 0–2 scale. (10) Supraoculars separated by 9–12 smooth cephalic scales. (11) Head scales feebly keeled; 19 or 21 dorsal scale rows at mid-body, feebly keeled except for the outermost rows; VEN 150–165 in males (n=10), 157–165 in females (n=7); SC 61–76 in males (n=7), 56–61 in females (n=7). (12) Tail length to total length ratio (TaL/TL) 0.172–0.204 in males (n=7), 0.145–0.160 in females (n=7). (13) Hemipenes short and strongly spinose, with deep bifurcation.

 

Ya-Ting Liang, Li Ding, Xin Wang, Gernot Vogel, Sheng-Chao Shi, Xiong Gong, Zheng-Jun Wu and Ze-Ning Chen. 2025. Integrative Taxonomy identifies A New Species of Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Reptilia: Serpentes: Viperidae) from Yunnan Province, China. Zoological Research: Diversity and Conservation. 2(3): 182-195. DOI: doi.org/10.24272/j.issn.2097-3772.2025.022

[Herpetology • 2026] Trimeresurus liqibini • A New Species of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Squamata: Viperidae) from Yunnan, China

 

Trimeresurus liqibini  

Liang, Ding, Wu, Yang et Chen, 2026

Li Qibin’s Green Pit Viper | 昆明竹叶青  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.173390 

 

Abstract

In this study, we describe a green pit viper of the genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804, from Yunnan Province, China, based on both morphological and molecular evidence. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from other congeners by a combination of the following characteristics: (1) dorsal body grass-green, ventral body yellowish green; (2) postocular stripe absent in females; (3) ventrolateral stripe white, present on the first dorsal scale rows in females; (4) iris golden yellow in females; (5) DSR 19/20–19–15 (N = 2), VEN 145–147 (N = 2), SC 55–60 (N = 2); (6) 10–11 cephalic scales; (7) first supralabial separated from the nasal scale by a distinct suture. Phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cyt b, ND4, 12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA gene fragments indicates that the new species is genetically divergent from all congeners (BPP 1.00/UFB 100), with uncorrected genetic distances of the mitochondrial gene cyt b ranging from 3.6% (T. mayaae) to 13.1% (T. hageni, T. septentrionalis, T. guoi, and T. ayeyarwadyensis) compared with its congeners.

Key Words: Morphology, molecular phylogeny, Southwestern China, taxonomy, Trimeresurus liqibini sp. nov.

Holotype of Trimeresurus liqibini sp. nov. in life (adult female, GXNU251216).

Trimeresurus liqibini Liang, Ding, Wu, Yang & Chen, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Trimeresurus liqibini sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeneric species by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) Dorsal body grass-green, ventral body yellowish-green. (2) Lateral head grass-green above lower margin of eyes, and light green below, without postocular stripes in females. (3) Ventrolateral stripe white, present on outermost rows of dorsal scales in females. (4) Iris golden yellow in females. (5) First supralabial separated from nasal scale by a distinct suture. (6) Head scales feebly keeled; dorsal scale rows 19 (20)–19–15 (N = 2), slightly keeled except the outermost rows; ventral scales 145–147 in females (N = 2); subcaudal scales 55–60 in females (N = 2). (7) Tail prehensile, predominantly reddish-brown; tail moderate in length, with TaL/TL ratios of 0.171–0.175 in females. (8) Internasals not in contact, usually separated by one scale. (9) Supraoculars large but elongate, separated by 10–11 cephalic scales.

Etymology. The specific name is in honor of Prof. Qibin Li (Guangxi, China) for his significant contributions to snakebite prevention, treatment, and the clinical application of snake venom. As a common name, we suggest “Li Qibin’s Green Pit Viper” in English and “Kūn Míng Zhú Yè Qīng (昆明竹叶青)” in Chinese.

Ya-Ting Liang, Li Ding, Zheng-Jun Wu, Rui-Gang Yang and Ze-Ning Chen. 2026. Description of A New Species from Yunnan, China, within the Genus Trimeresurus (Reptilia, Squamata, Viperidae) by integrating morphological and genetic evidence. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 303-314. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.173390 [09 Feb 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Trimeresurus lii • A New Species of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Squamata: Viperidae) from western Sichuan Province, China

 

Trimeresurus lii Cai, Liu, Liang, Wang & Ding, 

in Cai, Gou, Wang, Liu, Liang, X. Gu, H. Gu, Fang, Liu, Li et Ding, 2026. 

华西竹叶青蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.178601

Abstract

The genus Trimeresurus Lacépède comprises over 57 species, with recent taxonomic revisions recognizing six subgenera. Despite extensive research, many regions in China remain understudied, particularly the biodiversity-rich West China Rain Zone. This study reports a new pitviper species from western Sichuan Province, China, based on comprehensive morphological and molecular analyses. Specimens collected from the West China Rain Zone were examined using detailed morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of three mitochondrial genes (16S, cytb, and ND4). The results show that this population, together with T. loong, forms a distinct monophyletic clade within the subgenus Viridovipera Malhotra & Thorpe, with uncorrected genetic distances to its closest relatives exceeding 6.50% (cytb) and 5.77% (ND4). Diagnostic morphological differences, including smooth cephalic scales, a postocular streak extending beyond the 2nd supralabial in males, dorsal scale rows of 21–21–15, and a grass-green body color lacking bands or markings, further support its taxonomic distinctness. We propose the new species Trimeresurus lii sp. nov., which represents the second species of Viridovipera in Sichuan Province and the 58th species of Trimeresurus worldwide, and contributes to understanding biodiversity in the Giant Panda National Park region. This discovery highlights the importance of continued field surveys in biodiversity hotspots for documenting and conserving unique faunal assemblages.

Key Words: Bamboo pitviper, biodiversity hotspots, Giant Panda National Park, morphology, snakebite envenoming, Viridovipera, West China Rain Zone

Trimeresurus lii sp. nov. in life:
paratype CIB CB2120, male (A, B);
allotype CIB 122872, female (C, D); and
paratype CIB CB249CD03, juvenile male (E, F).

Photographs by Bo CAI.

Trimeresurus lii Cai, Liu, Liang, Wang & Ding, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: (Table 2). This new species can be distinguished from all of its congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) dorsal scale rows 21-21-15; (2) ventrals 152–167 in males and 160–168 in females; (3) subcaudals 64–75 in males and 63–70 in females; (4) skin coloration is black to dark gray, and body coloration is grass green without bands or markings in both sexes; (5) eye color is amber in males and orange-yellow in females; (6) postocular stripe is red and white, extending to the 2nd supralabial in males, but yellow or faintly developed yellow in females; (7) ventrolateral stripe is white (above) and red (below) in males, but yellow in females; (8) temporal scales and occipital scales smooth, dorsal scales rhomboid, feebly keeled except the first row of scales, which are smooth in both sexes.

Etymology. The specific epithet lii is a Latinized genitive form honoring LI Er (c. 6th–5th century BCE), traditionally revered as Laozi, the ancient Chinese philosopher whose teachings emphasize harmonious coexistence between humans and nature—a principle that aligns closely with the conservation ethos of the Giant Panda National Park, where this species was discovered. The known distribution of Trimeresurus lii sp. nov. in western Sichuan Province falls within the West China Rain Zone, a region historically associated with the early development of Daoist thought. In light of its geographic range and ecological context, we propose ‘Huaxi Green Pitviper’ as the English common name and ‘华西竹叶青蛇’ (Huáxī Zhúyèqīng Shé) as the Chinese name.

 Bo Cai, Yubo Gou, Gang Wang, Fengjing Liu, Dong Liang, Xiaodong Gu, Haijun Gu, Haolong Fang, Yuzhou Liu, Qiujie Li and Li Ding. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Squamata, Viperidae) from western Sichuan Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 285-302.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.178601 [30 Jan 2026]

[Herpetology • 2025] Trimeresurus loong • A ‘Little Dragon’ from Kunming City: A New Green Pit Viper (Viperidae, Trimeresurus) from Yunnan Province, China

 Trimeresurus loong  Xu, Deng, Zhang, Nguyen, Poyarkov, Vogel & Peng,

in Xu, Deng, Zhang, Nguyen, Weng, Poyarkov, Vogel, Sun, Liao et Peng, 2025. 

Kunming Green Pit Viper | 昆明竹叶青蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.175879 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Trimeresurus Lacépède is described from Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China, based on an integrative analysis of morphological and molecular data. The new species, Trimeresurus loong sp. nov., is assigned to the subgenus Viridovipera Malhotra & Thorpe and can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: the first supralabial completely separated from the nasal scale; a short and spinose hemipenis; moderate adult body size; dorsal scales in 19 (21 or 23)-19-15 rows; 150–151 ventral scales in males, and 157–158 in females; 67–68 subcaudals in males, and 57–64 in females; and distinct body color patterns. Molecular analyses based on the mitochondrial 16S, cyt b, and ND4 gene fragments indicate that Trimeresurus loong sp. nov. is genetically divergent from all currently recognized congeners, showing uncorrected p-distances ranging from 6.7–11.2% in cyt b and 6.1–8.3% in ND4. The discovery of this species brings the total number of recognized Trimeresurus species to 57, including nine recorded from Yunnan Province, further emphasizing the complex topography and exceptional level of endemism.

Key Words: Hemipenis, molecular phylogeny, morphology, taxonomy, Trimeresurus loong sp. nov., Southwestern China, systematics

Coloration of the holotype of Trimeresurus loong sp. nov. in life (QHU R2025027, adult male).
A. Dorsolateral view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsal view of the head; D. Lateral view of the head; E. Ventral view of the head; F. Lateral view of the body; G. Ventral view of the body.

Photographs by Y.H. Xu.

Coloration of the paratypes of Trimeresurus loong sp. nov. in life.
A. Lateral view of the head; B. Dorsolateral view; C. Ventral view. A1–C1. QHU R2025028, adult male; A2–C2. QHU R2025029, subadult male; A3–C3. QHU R2025030, subadult male; A4–C4. QHU R2025031, adult female. Photographs by Y.H. Xu.

 Trimeresurus loong Xu, Deng, Zhang, Nguyen, Poyarkov, Vogel & Peng, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. The new species Trimeresurus loong sp. nov. is distinguished from all of its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) first supralabial completely separated from the nasal scale; (2) hemipenis short and spinose, reaching the 10th–11th subcaudal when fully everted; (3) moderate adult body size, with a maximum SVL of 601 mm in males and 657 mm in females; (4) dorsal scales in 19 (21 or 23)–19–15 rows, keeled except for the outermost rows; (5) VS 150–151 in males and 157–158 in females; (6) SC 67–68 in males and 57–64 in females; (7) iris amber and sometimes exhibiting a faint reddish hue in adult males and yellowish in adult females; (8) body uniformly bright grass-green; (9) postocular streak narrow and white, with a few scale margins slightly tinged with yellow or reddish-brown in males, and absent in females; (10) ventrolateral stripe along the first dorsal scale row, variable in coloration in males, occurring in two forms, the first is a narrow white band bordered dorsally by a faint yellowish margin and ventrally by a red line, with a diffuse brownish tinge below the red line; the second is a narrow white band bordered by faint yellowish margins; and in females, the stripe is absent or reduced, and almost entirely white when present; (11) the ventral surfaces pale yellowish white or pale greenish-yellow anteriorly; gradually transitioning to greenish-yellow or light green toward the posterior body; (12) tail distinctly bicolored dorsally, green anteriorly and becoming almost uniformly orange or light orange-red posteriorly.

Etymology. The specific epithet loong is a Latinized appositive noun derived from the Chinese word “龙” (lóng), meaning “loong” or “dragon.” In Chinese culture, snakes are often regarded as “little dragons” or “lesser dragons” because of their serpentine form and symbolic association with the dragon (loong). The name also refers to the type locality, Qinglongxia (青龙峡), which literally translates to “Green Dragon Gorge.” The vivid green coloration of the new species echoes this name, establishing both symbolic and geographical connections. In addition, the year 2025, which marks the discovery and collection of this species, corresponds to the Year of the Snake in the lunar calendar. We therefore propose the common names “昆明竹叶青蛇” (Kūn Míng Zhú Yè Qīng Shé) in Chinese and “Kunming Green Pit Viper” in English, referring to its type locality Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.

Paratypes of Trimeresurus loong sp. nov.
A. Dorsal view of the head; B. Lateral view of the head; C. Ventral view of the head; D. Lateral view of the body; E. Ventral view of the body. A1–E1. QHU R2025028, adult male; A2–E2. QHU R2025029, subadult male; A3–E3. QHU R2025030, subadult male; A4–E4. QHU R2025031, adult female; A5–E5. QHU R2025032, adult female.

Photographs by Y.H. Xu.

 Yuhao Xu, Jundong Deng, Tierui Zhang, Tan Van Nguyen, Shiyang Weng, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Gernot Vogel, Fanyue Sun, Chencan Liao and Lifang Peng. 2025. A ‘Little Dragon’ from Kunming City: A New Green Pit Viper from Yunnan Province, China (Squamata, Viperidae, Trimeresurus). Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 2267-2293. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.175879 

  

[Herpetology • 2025] Trimeresurus pretiosus • A New Green Pitviper of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Serpentes: Viperidae) from Xizang, China

 

Trimeresurus pretiosus 

Xu, Nguyen, Wang, Zhang, Poyarkov, Wei, Vogel, Peng & Weng, 

in Xu, Nguyen, Wang, Zhang, Poyarkov, Wei, Vogel, Li, Deng, Sun, Peng et Weng, 2025. 

Yadong Green Pit Viper | 亚东竹叶青蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani15182675 

 Researchgate.net/publication/395454826

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Abstract

Species diversity within the green pit vipers of the genus Trimeresurus is likely underestimated. In this study, we describe a new species of Trimeresurus from the Xizang Autonomous Region, China, based on both morphological and molecular evidence. The new species, Trimeresurus pretiosus sp. nov., is assigned to the subgenus Viridovipera Malhotra Thorpe. It is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) first supralabial completely separated from nasal scale; (2) hemipenis short and spinose, reaching the 12th subcaudal when fully everted; (3) small adult size, with a maximum known snout-vent length of 516 mm in males and 512 mm in females; (4) dorsal scales in 19–19–15 rows, weakly keeled except for the outermost rows; (5) 140–143 ventral scales; (6) 56–58 subcaudal scales in males and 54 in females, partially arranged in a single row; (7) iris reddish-brown in males, orange-yellow in females; (8) body uniformly bright grass-green; postocular streak absent or faint white in males, absent in females; (9) ventrolateral stripe consisting of red above and white below and wide in males, only white and narrow in females; (10) ventral surfaces greenish-yellow; (11) tail distinctly reddish-brown dorsally, with the colouration extending from tail base to tip. Molecular analyses based on the mitochondrial 16S, cyt b, and ND4 gene fragments indicate that the new species is genetically divergent from all congeners, with uncorrected p-distances ranging from 5.8% to 12.5% in the cyt b gene and from 6.7% to 11.0% in the ND4 gene. The new species is currently known only from the southern slopes of the central Himalayas in Yadong County, and it represents the second known Viridovipera species from the southern Himalayas. With this discovery, the total number of snake species known from the Xizang Autonomous Region increases to 67, underscoring the importance of continued herpetofaunal surveys in this biogeographically complex region.

Keywords: Viridovipera; morphology; taxonomy; molecular phylogeny; systematics; Himalaya

  Fresh specimen of the holotype of Trimeresurus pretiosus sp. nov. (QHU 2025019, adult male).

Photographs by Y.H. Xu. Scale bars = 10 mm.

Trimeresurus pretiosus sp. nov. in life:
lateral views of the head (A), dorsal views (B), and ventral views (C).
(A1,B1,C1), QHU R2025019, holotype, adult male;
(A2,B2,C2), QHU R2025020, paratype, adult male; (A3,B3,C3),
QHU R2025021, paratype, adult female.

Photographs by Y.H. Xu.

 

Trimeresurus pretiosus Xu, Nguyen, Wang, Zhang, Poyarkov, Wei, Vogel, Peng, and Weng sp. nov.

Holotype. QHU R2025019, adult male, collected from Xiayadong Township, Yadong County, Xigaze City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China (27.262° N, 89.016° E; elevation 1824 m a.s.l.), collected by Zhenqi Wang, Yuhao Xu, Fanyue Sun, and Lifang Peng on 22 June 2025.

 

Diagnosis. Trimeresurus pretiosus sp. nov. is distinguished from all of its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) first supralabial completely separated from nasal scale; (2) hemipenis short and spinose, reaching 12th subcaudal when fully everted; (3) adult body size relatively small, with a maximum known snout-vent length of 516 mm in males and 512 mm in females; (4) dorsal scales in 19–19–15 rows, weakly keeled except for the outermost rows; (5) 140–143 ventral scales; (6) 56–58 subcaudal scales in males and 54 in females, partially arranged in a single row; (7) iris reddish-brown in males, orange-yellow in females; (8) body uniformly bright grass-green; postocular streak absent or faint white in males, absent in females; (9) ventrolateral stripe consisting of red above and white below and wide in males; white only and narrow in females; (10) ventral surfaces greenish-yellow; (11) tail distinctly reddish-brown dorsally, with the colouration extending from tail base to tail tip.

Etymology. The specific epithet “pretiosus” is a Latin adjective in the nominative case (masculine gender, singular), meaning “precious” or “valuable”. The name refers to the species’ striking and vivid colouration, which makes it resemble a hidden green gem within the pristine forest. Furthermore, although herpetologists have conducted numerous field surveys in Yadong County, Xizang AR, China, for several decades, no green pit viper has ever been recorded from the area until now. The new species represents the currently known westernmost distribution of the subgenus Viridovipera and is extremely rare in the wild. Therefore, through the specific epithet, we hope to raise awareness not only of the new species but also of the rich biodiversity of Yadong County, thereby promoting greater attention to and protection of its unique ecological environment. Based on its type locality, Yadong County, we recommend “Yadong Green Pit Viper” as the common English name, “亚东竹叶青蛇” (Yă Dōng Zhú Yè Qīng Shé) as the Chinese name, “Rắn lục xanh báu vật” as the Vietnamese name, “Драгoценная бамбукoвая куфия” (Dragotsennaya bambukovaya kufiya) as the common name in Russian, and “Yadong-Grubenotter” as the common name in German.

  Habitat and field observations of Trimeresurus pretiosus sp. nov. 
 (A), macrohabitat of the new species in Xiayadong, Yadong, Xizang, China; (B), holotype QHU R2025019 in life, in situ; (C), paratype QHU R2025021 in life, in situ; (D), regurgitated mouse from paratype QHU R2025021.

Photographs by Y.H. Xu (A,D) and Z.Q. Wang (B,C).

  Comparison of males of species in the subgenus Viridovipera in life. (A), Trimeresurus pretiosus sp. nov. , unvouchered individual from Xiayadong, Yadong, Xizang, China; (B), T. gumprechti from Phu Hin Rong Kla NP, Phitsanulok, Thailand; (C), T. mayaae from Garbhanga Reserve Forest, Guwahati, Assam, India;
(D), T. medoensis from Motuo (Medog), Xizang, China; (E), Trimeresurus sp. from Fugong, Yunnan, China; (F), T. stejnegeri from Mt. Wuyi, Fujian, China;
(G), T. truongsonensis from Phong Nha-Ke Bang NP, Quang Binh, Vietnam; (H), T. vogeli from Phong Nha-Ke Bang NP, Quang Binh, Vietnam; (I), T. yunnanensis from Tengchong, Yunnan, China.

Photographs by Y.H. Xu (A,D,G–I), R. Jaihan (B), S. Bohra (C), T.R. Zhang (E), and Z.Q. Wang (F).

 Yuhao Xu, Tan Van Nguyen, Zhenqi Wang, Tierui Zhang, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Cong Wei, Gernot Vogel, Jianchuan Li, Jundong Deng, Fanyue Sun, Lifang Peng and Shiyang Weng. 2025. A New Green Pitviper of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Squamata: Viperidae) from Xizang, China. Animals. 2025, 15(18), 2675. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani15182675 [12 September 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/395454826_A_New_Trimeresurus_from_Tibet 

 

Simple Summary: We report the discovery of a western record of green pit viper (Trimeresurus, subgenus Viridovipera) from Yadong County, Xigaze City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. This population shows notable genetic divergence in the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA (16S), cytochrome b (cyt b), and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) gene fragments, with uncorrected cyt b distances of ≥5.8% from its closest relative, T. cf. medoensis, and ≥6.2% from other congeners in the subgenus Viridovipera, as well as ND4 distances of 7.8% from T. cf. medoensis and ≥6.7% from other congeners. In addition to genetic distinctiveness, it can be reliably distinguished from other congeners by several key morphological characteristics. Based on the combined molecular and morphological evidence, we describe this population as a new species, Trimeresurus pretiosus sp. nov. This finding raises the total number of known Trimeresurus species to 56, including 15 species reported from China. In addition, our discovery highlights the Himalayan region as a global hotspot for pitviper diversity and endemism, emphasising its importance for future taxonomic and conservation studies.

[Herpetology • 2025] Trimeresurus nujiang • A New Species of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Serpentes: Viperidae) from Southwestern China

Trimeresurus nujiang 

Liang, Ding, Vogel, Chen & Wu, 2025

Nujiang green pit-viper | 怒江竹叶青  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.162424

Abstract

Trimeresurus nujiang sp. nov., a new cryptic species of green pit viper is described from southwestern China, based on specimens collected from Gongshan County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cyt b, ND4, 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes supported the new species as an independent lineage (BPP 1.00/BS 100), closely related to T. stejnegeri and T. yunnanensis. A combination of characters helps delimit the new species from its congeners by: (1) ventrolateral stripe white (above) and dark red (below), present on the first row of dorsal scales in males; ventrolateral stripe faint white present in females; (2) postocular streak absent in both genders; (3) iris golden yellow in both genders; (4) DSR 19 (21/22)–19–15 (13), VEN 164–173, SC 57–68; (5) first upper labial completely separated from the nasal; (6) hemipenes short and spinose, bilobed at 6th/7th plate when unextruded, tips reaching SC 10. The uncorrected genetic distances of mitochondrial gene cyt b between the new species and other congeners range from 0.052 (T. stejnegeri) to 0.156 (T. hageni).

Key Words: Asia, molecular phylogeny, morphology, taxonomy, Trimeresurus nujiang sp. nov., Viridovipera

Trimeresurus nujiang sp. nov. in life:
 A. Holotype, male (DL R353); B. Paratype, female (CIB DL-03-622).

Photographed by Li Ding.

Trimeresurus nujiang sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A species of the genus Trimeresurus has a combination of the following characters: (1) Dorsal body olive drab or grass green, without bands or markings; interstitial skin greyish-black; ventral body yellow green. (2) Tail mostly reddish brown with dark brown tail end. (3) Dorsum of the head has the same color as the body, the upper labials are light green. (4) Moderate body size, with the maximum total length exceeding 804 mm. (5) White (above) and dark red (below) ventrolateral stripe present on the first row of dorsal scales, and the ventrolateral stripe continuous on the tail in males; faint white ventrolateral stripe in females. (6) Postocular streak absent in both sexes. (7) Iris golden-yellow in both sexes in life. (8) First supralabial completely ...

Etymology. The specific name “nujiang” refers to the location of type specimens, the area around the Nujiang River. As common name we suggest “Nujiang green pit-viper” in English and “Nù Jiāng Zhú Yè Qīng (怒江竹叶青)” in Chinese.

Comparison of coloration between T. yunnanensis and “T. gumprechti” in females.
A, C. T. yunnanensis, collected from the type locality Tengchong, Yunnan Province;
B, D. “T. gumprechti”, collected from Loei Province, Thailand.

A, C. Photos by Ze-Ning Chen; B, D. Photos by Gernot Vogel.

 Ya-Ting Liang, Li Ding, Gernot Vogel, Ze-Ning Chen, Zheng-Jun Wu. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Reptilia, Squamata, Viperidae) from Southwestern China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 1653-1668.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.162424

[Herpetology • 2025] Trimeresurus cryptographicus • A snake can change its finery: A New cryptic Species of the Trimeresurus kanburiensis complex (Serpentes: Viperidae) from central Thailand with an unusual ontogenetic color change

 

Trimeresurus cryptographicus 

Pawangkhanant, Idiiatullina, Nguyen, Ruangsuwan, Matsukoji, David, Suwannapoom & Poyarkov, 2025

Cryptic Green Pitviper  |  งูเขียวหางไหม้ตาโตสีจาง  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5621.5.2 

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  Researchgate.net/publication/390986137

Photographs by R. Bilgin, P. Pawangkhanant and G. Vogel. 

Abstract

We describe a new species of green pitviper from the northern part of Central Thailand based on morphological and molecular (2406 bp from cyt b, ND4, and 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA genes fragments) lines of evidence. Trimeresurus cryptographicus sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: small size, maximum known SVL of 523 mm; dorsal scales in 23(22)-21-15 rows, moderately keeled except the outermost rows; ventral scales 171–178; subcaudal scales 57–73, all paired; iris golden yellow in both sexes; body uniformly bright grass-green with indistinct serrated dark transverse markings in adults (499–523 mm SVL) but neonates and juveniles (231–245 mm SVL) have prominent irregular, serrated dark grey crossbands on a light green dorsum; suborbital stripe bluish-white and thin in male, absent in females; ventrolateral stripe, white, distinct, present on the first two dorsal scale rows in both sexes; throat, chin, and lower labials pale blue; ventral surfaces greenish-yellow; tail light brick-red mottled with dark spots, ventral side of the tail with white markings. While the new species differs from the morphologically similar species Trimeresurus macrops by a notable divergence in mitochondrial DNA sequences, it is more closely related to T. kuiburi (p = 1.7% for cytochrome b, p = 1.6% for 16S rRNA, and p = 1.8% for ND4 gene fragments). The new species is currently known only from low elevation in tropical limestone forest of Phitsanulok Province, in the northern part of central Thailand (ca. 100 m a.s.l.). This discovery further underlines the importance of limestone massifs of Indochina as local centres of herpetofaunal diversity and endemism.

Reptilia, Trimeresurus cryptographicus sp. nov., limestone, morphology, molecular phylogeny, systematics

The holotype of Trimeresurus cryptographicus sp. nov. in preservative (ZMMU Re-17934, adult female).
A dorsolateral and B ventral view of body; C head in dorsal, D in ventral, E in lateral right, and F in lateral left aspects.

Scale bar equals 1 cm. Photographs by S. S. Idiiatullina.

 Habitat of Trimeresurus cryptographicus sp. nov.
 A microhabitat of the new species in Tham Kang Kao Cave, Phitsanulok, Thailand; B adult female, holotype (ZMMU Re-17934), in life in situ.

Photographs by P. Pawangkhanant.

 Trimeresurus cryptographicus sp. nov. in life from the type locality–Tham Kang Kao Cave, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
A-B neonates, sex unkown, released; C-D juvenile male, released;
E adult male, paratype (RIM-00056); F adult female, paratype (RIM-00055).

Photographs by R. Bilgin (A-D), P. Pawangkhanant (E), and G. Vogel (F).

Family Viperidae Oppel, 1811

Subfamily Crotalinae Oppel, 1811

Genus Trimeresurus lacépède, 1804

Trimeresurus cryptographicus sp. nov.

Etymology. the species name “cryptographicus” is a latin adjective in the nominative singular, masculine gender, derived from the classical greek adjective kryptos (κρυπτός), “cryptos”, meaning “hidden”, and from the past participle of the verb graphein (γράφειν), meaning “to write” or “to draw”. we coined this greek word, in latinized form, by allusion to the strong dorsal pattern present in juvenile specimens, which disappears and becomes barely visible in adult individuals like some cryptography text. Furthermore, this pitviper is a good example of cryptic and elusive species itself. 

We suggest the following common names for the new species: “Ngu Khiew Hang MaiTa To Si Jang” (งูเขียวหางไหม้ตาโตสีจาง, in thai), “Cryptic Green Pitviper” (in english), and “Kripticheskayabambukovaya kufiya” (Криптическая бамбуковая куфия, in Russian).  

 A. An everted right hemipenis of Trimeresurus cryptographicus sp. nov. (RIM-00106)
B. Everted hemipenes of T. kuiburi (RIM-00107).

 All known species of the Trimeresurus macrops-kanburiensis complexes, in life:
Trimeresurus cryptographicus sp. nov. from Tham Kang Kao Cave, Phitsanulok, Thailand (A); T. cardamomensis from Khao Soidao WS., Chanthaburi, Thailand (B); T. cyanolabris from Phuoc Binh NP., Ninh Thuan, Vietnam (C);
T. erythrochloris from Khlong Hat, Sakeo, Thailand (D); T. macrops from Tha Luang, Lop Buri, Thailand (E), T. rubeus from Cat Tien NP., Dong Nai, Vietnam (F),
T. ciliaris from Wang Prachan, Satun, Thailand (G); T. honsonensis from Hon Son Is., Kien Giang, Vietnam (H); T. kanburiensis from Sai Yok NP., Kanchanaburi, Thailand (I);
T. kraensis from Tham Sanook Cave, Chumphon, Thailand (J); T. kuiburi from Sam Roi Yot, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand (K); T. venustus from Khao Luang NP., Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand (L).

Photographs by P. Pawangkhanant (A), A. Kaosung (B, E, I, J), N. A. Poyarkov (C, K), T. Smith (D), G. Vogel (F, G), L.P. Tran (H), R. Jaihan (L).

Parinya PAWANGKHANANT, Sabira S. IDIIATULLINA, Tan Van NGUYEN, Thiti RUANGSUWAN, Tomoya MATSUKOJI, Patrick DAVID, Chatmongkon SUWANNAPOOM and Nikolay A. POYARKOV. 2025. A snake can change its finery: A New cryptic Species of the Trimeresurus kanburiensis complex (Reptilia: Serpentes: Viperidae) from central Thailand with an unusual ontogenetic color change.  Zootaxa. 5621(5); 514-546. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5621.5.2 [2025-04-22]

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  Researchgate.net/publication/390986137_a_new_cryptic_species_of_the_Trimeresurus_kanburiensis_complex_from_central_Thailand