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Viperidae

Ruby-eyed Green Pitviper

Venomous

Trimeresurus rubeus

Ruby-eyed Green Pitviper
Trimeresurus rubeus, © Fyodor Demin
Ruby-eyed Green PitviperRuby-eyed Green PitviperRuby-eyed Green PitviperRuby-eyed Green PitviperRuby-eyed Green Pitviper

6 photographs of the Ruby-eyed Green Pitviper. © Fyodor Demin.

The Ruby-eyed Green Pitviper (Trimeresurus rubeus) is a venomous snake in the Viperidae family, recorded in 2 countries.

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 Ruby-eyed Green Pitviper

Trimeresurus rubeus, commonly known as the ruby-eyed green pitviper, is a venomous pit viper species endemic to Southeast Asia. It occurs in southern Vietnam and eastern Cambodia. No subspecies are currently recognized.

Trimeresurus rubeus inhabits seasonal tropical forests, including lightly disturbed ones. All specimens have been recorded at night in dense vegetation, often near fast-flowing streams. It is known from elevations below 500 m (1,600 ft) above sea level. Although most known populations occur in national parks, it can be threatened by habitat loss and harvesting for food and snake wine.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Ruby-eyed Green Pitviper

Is the Ruby-eyed Green Pitviper venomous?
Yes. The Ruby-eyed Green Pitviper (Trimeresurus rubeus) 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 Ruby-eyed Green Pitviper poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Ruby-eyed Green Pitviper is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Ruby-eyed Green 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 Ruby-eyed Green Pitviper live?
The Ruby-eyed Green Pitviper has verified records in 2 countries, including Viet Nam, Cambodia. See the distribution section below for its full range.

If you are bitten by the Ruby-eyed Green 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

Viet NamCambodia

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
Craspedocephalus
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
Trimeresurus rubeus

Keep learning

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