Snake FinderField Guide · Worldwide

Viperidae

Yunnan Bamboo Pitviper

Venomous

Trimeresurus yunnanensis

Yunnan Bamboo Pitviper
Trimeresurus yunnanensis, © Ian Dugdale
Yunnan Bamboo PitviperYunnan Bamboo PitviperYunnan Bamboo PitviperYunnan Bamboo PitviperYunnan Bamboo Pitviper

6 photographs of the Yunnan Bamboo Pitviper. © Ian Dugdale.

The Yunnan Bamboo Pitviper (Trimeresurus yunnanensis) is a venomous snake in the Viperidae family, recorded in 5 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 Yunnan Bamboo Pitviper

Trimeresurus yunnanensis, commonly known as the Yunnan bamboo pitviper, is a venomous pitviper species endemic to China.

Description

The scalation includes 19 (or 21) rows of dorsal scales at midbody, 154-164/150-172 ventral scales in males/females, 61-71/52-65 subcaudal scales in males/females, and 9-11 supralabial scales.

Geographic range

It is found in southern China (Yunnan and southwestern Sichuan). The type locality given is "Tengyueh, Yunnan Province, China" (= Tengchong County).

Taxonomy

Zhao (1995) raised this taxon back up to the level of a full species: T. yunnanensis.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Yunnan Bamboo Pitviper

Is the Yunnan Bamboo Pitviper venomous?
Yes. The Yunnan Bamboo Pitviper (Trimeresurus yunnanensis) 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 Yunnan Bamboo Pitviper poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Yunnan Bamboo Pitviper is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Yunnan Bamboo 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 Yunnan Bamboo Pitviper live?
The Yunnan Bamboo Pitviper has verified records in 5 countries, including China, Viet Nam, Thailand. See the distribution section below for its full range.

If you are bitten by the Yunnan Bamboo 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

ChinaViet NamThailandMyanmarIndia

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 yunnanensis

Keep learning

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