Wagler’s Pit Viper
Wagler's Pit Viper at Sepilok 20091022
Scientific name: Tropidolaemus wagleri
A venomous snake native to South East Asia. The “heat sensors” at the side of its triangular head helps pit vipers detect prey. A nocturnal species, the vipers appear sluggish and remains motionless for long periods of time during the day, but can strike quickly when prey passes by or when disturbed. In Sabah, Wagler’s pit vipers can often be seen draped around tree branches at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and Menanggul River in Sukau.
Also known as the temple snake because it is the most abundant snake species at the Snake Temple in Penang. The venom of this snake is used in anti-ageing face cream by Planet Skincare UK. The venom supposedly contains properties that prevent wrinkles from forming.
That’s a nice photo! I went to Sepilok and I saw this snake remained motionless at the same spot for 2 days. But I don’t know if it went out minum in between..
actually, if you look closely, there’s a Made in China tag at the bottom.