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Home > Snakes > Sakishima Habu

Sakishima Habu

Sakishima habu is a species of medium-sized, stout-bodied, venomous snake endemic to Japan. The species is mainly nocturnal and terrestrial. Currently, there are no recognized subspecies of this species.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Subphylum Vertebrata
    Class Reptilia
    Order Squamata
    Suborder Serpentes
    Family Viperidae
    Subfamily Crotalinae
    Genus Trimeresurus
    Scientific Name Trimeresurus elegans


    Other Names Elegant Pitviper, Elegant Tree Viper
    Length 50 – 90 cm; larger specimens may be more than 100 cm
    Color Brown covered with dark brown zig-zag pattern
    Distribution Southern Ryukyu Islands (Japan)
    Habitat Moist or wet forest edges, also found near cultivated crops and human habitations
    Diet Small mammals, lizards, frogs
    Hibernation Fact Does not undergo proper hibernation during the winter
    Venom Fact Venomous
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous (egg laying)

    Sakishima Habu Pictures Gallery

    Published on December 1st 2016 by under Snakes. Article was last reviewed on 7th June 2019.

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