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IUCN status: Least ConcernWhite-lipped Pit Viper at a glance
The White-lipped Pit Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) is a reptile in the family Viperidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Yogyakarta, Central Java. Diet: predator of small vertebrates (lizards, frogs, rodents, small birds); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Trimeresurus albolabris |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Ular Bangkai Laut (Trimeresurus albolabris) |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Viperidae |
| Observation records | West Java, Yogyakarta, Central Java |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 272 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator of small vertebrates (lizards, frogs, rodents, small birds) · Ecology Asia |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born · Reptile Database |
| Venom or poison | Venomous · WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2016), Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd ed |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' |
In this guide (12)
What is the White-lipped Pit Viper?
White-lipped Pit Viper refers to Trimeresurus albolabris, in the genus Trimeresurus, family Viperidae, and class Squamata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the White-lipped Pit Viper?
The white-lipped pitviper is venomous and has lookalike relatives; safe-distance photographs and locality are better than handling for identification.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
How many Indonesian records name the White-lipped Pit Viper?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 272 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include West Java, Yogyakarta, Central Java. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the White-lipped Pit Viper?
A safe-distance photograph can record body, head and tail pattern and locality without handling the animal. Colour alone cannot establish whether a snake is venomous; seek local professional help if there is risk. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare White-lipped Pit Viper with White-lipped Island Pitviper, Wagler's Pit Viper, Emerald Tree Skink. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Scientific classification of the White-lipped Pit Viper
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Viperidae |
| Genus | Trimeresurus |
| Species | Trimeresurus albolabris |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the White-lipped Pit Viper
What is the scientific name of the White-lipped Pit Viper?
The scientific name of the White-lipped Pit Viper is Trimeresurus albolabris, in the family Viperidae. In Indonesian it is called Ular Bangkai Laut (Trimeresurus albolabris).
What kind of animal is the White-lipped Pit Viper?
The White-lipped Pit Viper is a reptile in the family Viperidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator of small vertebrates (lizards, frogs, rodents, small birds).
Where does the White-lipped Pit Viper live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the White-lipped Pit Viper summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Yogyakarta, Central Java. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the White-lipped Pit Viper eat?
The White-lipped Pit Viper is a predator of small vertebrates (lizards, frogs, rodents, small birds). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Ecology Asia.
How does the White-lipped Pit Viper reproduce?
The White-lipped Pit Viper reproduces by ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born. Gives birth to live young; the eggs hatch inside the mother rather than being laid. Source: Reptile Database.
Is the White-lipped Pit Viper venomous?
Yes. The White-lipped Pit Viper is venomous. Source: WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2016), Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd ed.
Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.
Is the White-lipped Pit Viper nocturnal?
The cited source records the White-lipped Pit Viper as nocturnal (active at night). Source: ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the White-lipped Pit Viper?
Scientific classification of the White-lipped Pit Viper: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Viperidae, genus Trimeresurus, species Trimeresurus albolabris.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the White-lipped Pit Viper endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the White-lipped Pit Viper is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the White-lipped Pit Viper is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Ecology Asia ↗
- Reptile Database ↗
- ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' ↗
- WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2016), Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd ed ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
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Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. White-lipped Pit Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/trimeresurus-albolabris/