# White-lipped Island Pitviper

> White-lipped Island Pitviper (Trimeresurus insularis). The Sunda island pitviper is venomous; older sources treated it as a white-lipped pitviper subspecies, so taxon names need checking.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/trimeresurus-insularis/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/trimeresurus-insularis/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The White-lipped Island Pitviper (*Trimeresurus insularis*) is a reptile in the family Viperidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from East Nusa Tenggara, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara. Diet: predator of small vertebrates (frogs, birds, small mammals); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Trimeresurus insularis* |
| Indonesian name | Ular Bangkai Laut (Trimeresurus insularis) |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Viperidae |
| Observation records | East Nusa Tenggara, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 441 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/7656866) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator of small vertebrates (frogs, birds, small mammals) · [Chester Zoo](https://www.chesterzoo.org/animals/white-lipped-island-pit-viper) |
| Reproduction | Ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born · [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Trimeresurus&species=insularis) |
| Venom or poison | Venomous · [WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2016), Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd ed](https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/249547) |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683) |

## What is the White-lipped Island Pitviper?

White-lipped Island Pitviper refers to Trimeresurus insularis, 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.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/7656866)

## What is known about the White-lipped Island Pitviper?

The Sunda island pitviper is venomous; older sources treated it as a white-lipped pitviper subspecies, so taxon names need checking.

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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/trimeresurus_albolabris_insularis)

## How many Indonesian records name the White-lipped Island Pitviper?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 441 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=7656866&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include East Nusa Tenggara, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara. 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=7656866&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the White-lipped Island Pitviper?

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 Island Pitviper with White-lipped Pit Viper, Wagler's Pit Viper, Reticulated Python. 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 Island Pitviper

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Viperidae |
| Genus | *Trimeresurus* |
| Species | *Trimeresurus insularis* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the White-lipped Island Pitviper

### What is the scientific name of the White-lipped Island Pitviper?

The scientific name of the White-lipped Island Pitviper is *Trimeresurus insularis*, in the family Viperidae. In Indonesian it is called Ular Bangkai Laut (Trimeresurus insularis).

### What kind of animal is the White-lipped Island Pitviper?

The White-lipped Island Pitviper is a reptile in the family Viperidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator of small vertebrates (frogs, birds, small mammals).

### Where does the White-lipped Island Pitviper live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the White-lipped Island Pitviper summarised in this guide mainly come from East Nusa Tenggara, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the White-lipped Island Pitviper eat?

The White-lipped Island Pitviper is a predator of small vertebrates (frogs, birds, small mammals). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [Chester Zoo](https://www.chesterzoo.org/animals/white-lipped-island-pit-viper).

### How does the White-lipped Island Pitviper reproduce?

The White-lipped Island Pitviper reproduces by ovoviviparity: eggs hatch inside the mother and live young are born. This pit viper gives birth to live young (Chester Zoo reports up to 17 per litter) rather than laying eggs. Source: [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Trimeresurus&species=insularis).

### Is the White-lipped Island Pitviper venomous?

Yes. The White-lipped Island Pitviper is venomous. The leading cause of snakebites in hospital data from Bondowoso, East Java. Source: [WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2016), Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd ed](https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/249547).

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 Island Pitviper nocturnal?

The cited source records the White-lipped Island Pitviper as nocturnal (active at night). Source: [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the White-lipped Island Pitviper?

Scientific classification of the White-lipped Island Pitviper: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Viperidae, genus *Trimeresurus*, species *Trimeresurus insularis*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the White-lipped Island Pitviper endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the White-lipped Island Pitviper 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)](https://www.gbif.org/species/7656866), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the White-lipped Island Pitviper is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/7656866)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=7656866&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/146509)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/trimeresurus_albolabris_insularis)
5. [Chester Zoo](https://www.chesterzoo.org/animals/white-lipped-island-pit-viper)
6. [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Trimeresurus&species=insularis)
7. [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683)
8. [WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2016), Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd ed](https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/249547)
9. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [White-lipped Pit Viper](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/trimeresurus-albolabris/)
- [Wagler's Pit Viper](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/tropidolaemus-wagleri/)
- [Reticulated Python](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/malayopython-reticulatus/)
- [Oriental Long-tailed Grass Lizard](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/takydromus-sexlineatus/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). White-lipped Island Pitviper. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/trimeresurus-insularis/