What Is a Tree Viper?
The term tree viper can refer to any one of a varied number of snake species of the family Viperidae that dwell in trees. Vipers are poisonous snakes that use hollow fangs to penetrate prey and inject it with venom. These snakes are found throughout Asia, Africa and South America and while the length varies widely between species, the coloring is fairly consistent. Many are a shade of green or yellow with some yellow, white or green on the head or belly. Arboreal Frogs, small mammals, birds and lizards are all typical prey. Most species are short tailed with keeled scales and a head that is triangle shaped. The long and hollow fangs of tree vipers distinguish them from other snake species. The fangs attach to the maxillaries or upper jaw bones that move and are released only when the viper strikes its prey or in self defense. Venom is injected through the hollow fangs from glands inside the viper’s mouth. In the case of self defense, the bite is often dry and no venom is injected.
