Identification:
The snout is 2.5 times the diameter of the eye. The head is clearly distinct from the neck, covered with small, overlapping scales at the base. Head scales are smooth; scales in the interorbital region are smaller than those on the head. There are 11-13 interorbital scales between the supraocular scales. The supraocular scales are long and narrow, extending beyond the front of the eye socket. There are 2 long and narrow subocular scales, and 2 small postocular scales. The internasal scales are 1.5 – 2 times larger than the adjacent scales, separated by 1 – 3 small scales. The temporal scales are small, without keels. The scales posterior to the temporal region and the pre-mental region are wider, without keels.
There are 9-11 supralabial scales, with the first supralabial completely separated from the nasal scale; the second extends upwards, forming the anterior margin of the loreal pit; the third is the widest and longest. The supralabial scales are separated from the subocular scales by 1-2 rows of scales. There are 10-11 infralabial scales per side, with the first 3 touching the anterior chin shields. The body scales are in 25:21:15 or 17 rows, with prominent keels; 2 or 3 rows of body scales adjacent to the ventral scales are smooth; 158-164 ventral scales; 62-72 divided subcaudal scales. The anal plate is single.
The body is uniformly bronze-green. The ventral and subcaudal surfaces are lighter and brighter green. The row of body scales adjacent to the ventral scales has a white border with yellow, or has the upper half white and the lower half brick-red, forming longitudinal stripes along the sides of the body to the base of the tail. The tip of the tail is reddish-brown.
Biology, Ecology:
This venomous snake species, dangerous to humans, typically inhabits secondary forest habitats and streamside areas. Its diet consists of small carnivorous mammals and amphibians within its distribution range. It is found at low altitudes up to 1,000m. It forages at night and seeks shelter in burrows and tree hollows during the day. This is a venomous snake that can be deadly.
Distribution:
Vietnam: Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Thai Nguyen, Vinh Phuc, Bac Giang, Son La, Hoa Binh, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Thua Thien-Hue, Da Nang, Gia Lai.