A new species of venomous snake, named Trimeresurus cyanolabris, has been discovered by Nick Poyarkov in dry tropical forests in central Vietnam. This multicoloured snake is known for its distinctive features, including a bright grass-green body, yellow eyes, brick red tail, and blue lips, chin, and throat. It primarily feeds on small frogs and lizards and is most active at dusk and after nightfall.
Sabira Idiiatullina and her team at Lomonosov Moscow State University have confirmed the snake’s status as a distinct species through genetic analysis. Although T. cyanolabris shares many similarities with other Trimeresurus species found in Asia, it stands out for its unique coloring and smaller size. The closest known relative to T. cyanolabris is the red-eyed T. rubeus.
As genetic methods continue to advance, more Trimeresurus species are likely to be identified due to the group’s species richness. However, many of these snakes are at risk due to deforestation in the forests where they reside. Efforts must be made to protect these snakes from extinction before it’s too late.