Snake FinderField Guide · Worldwide

Viperidae

Malcolm’s Pitviper

Venomous

Trimeresurus malcolmi

Malcolm’s Pitviper
Trimeresurus malcolmi, © Lawrence Hylton
Malcolm’s PitviperMalcolm’s PitviperMalcolm’s PitviperMalcolm’s PitviperMalcolm’s Pitviper

6 photographs of the Malcolm’s Pitviper. © Lawrence Hylton.

The Malcolm’s Pitviper (Trimeresurus malcolmi) is a venomous snake in the Viperidae family, recorded in 1 country.

If you are bitten

This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.

Family
Viperidae
Danger
high

About the Malcolm’s Pitviper

Trimeresurus malcolmi is a species of pit viper. The species is native to East Malaysia. Common names include: Malcolm's pitviper, Malcolm's tree viper, and Mt. Kinabalu pit viper.

Etymology

The specific name, malcolmi, is in honor of British herpetologist Malcolm Arthur Smith.

Description

The scalation of Trimeresurus malcolmi includes 19 rows of dorsal scales at midbody, 163-174 ventral scales, 64-81/61-64 subcaudal scales in males/females, and 8-9 supralabial scales. It can also wiggle its tail back and forth when threatened.

Common names

Trimeresurus malcolmi is known by several common names, including Kinabalu green pit viper, Malcolm's pitviper, Malcolm's tree viper, Mt. Kinabalu pit viper, and Malcolm's pit viper.

Geographic range

Trimeresurus malcolmi is found in East Malaysia at elevations of 1,000–1,600 metres (3,280–5,250 feet). The type locality given is "Sungii River, near Bundutuan, Mount Kinabalu, British North Borneo Sabah, at an altitude circa 3,000 feet [914 m]".

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Trimeresurus malcolmi is forest.

Reproduction

Trimeresurus malcolmi is oviparous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Malcolm’s Pitviper

Is the Malcolm’s Pitviper venomous?
Yes. The Malcolm’s Pitviper (Trimeresurus malcolmi) is venomous and belongs to the Viperidae family (viper). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.
Is the Malcolm’s Pitviper poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Malcolm’s Pitviper is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Malcolm’s Pitviper dangerous?
This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.
Where does the Malcolm’s Pitviper live?
The Malcolm’s Pitviper has verified records in 1 country, including Malaysia. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Why is it called the Malcolm’s Pitviper?
The specific name, malcolmi, is in honor of British herpetologist Malcolm Arthur Smith.

If you are bitten by the Malcolm’s Pitviper

A venomous snakebite is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately. In the US, dial 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Do

  • Get away from the snake and stay calm. Most bites worsen when people panic or try again to handle the snake.
  • Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) right away. Antivenom works best when given early.
  • Note the time of the bite and, from a safe distance, the snake's color and pattern, a phone photo is enough. Do not chase it.
  • Keep the bitten limb still and at roughly heart level. Sit or lie down and limit movement.
  • Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts.
  • Gently wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Do not

  • Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
  • Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
  • Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
  • Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, they can worsen bleeding. Acetaminophen is safer for pain.
  • Do not try to catch or kill the snake. A dead snake can still bite by reflex.

First-aid guidance adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC NIOSH), Venomous Snakes. Educational only; always follow the instructions of emergency responders.

Where it is found

Malaysia

More Viperidae snakes

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
Squamata
FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
Viperidae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
Trimeresurus
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
Trimeresurus malcolmi

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.