In the western part of Sichuan Province, China, a new species of pit viper with a vivid green body and amber eyes has been discovered in the densely vegetated mountain regions. This species remained unnoticed for a long time in one of the world’s most biologically diverse areas.

Discovery and Classification

The research was conducted by specialists from the Chengdu Institute of Biology and the Giant Panda National Park as part of a study of wildlife in the rain zone of Western China. Initially, the snake was mistaken for a known species, but further analysis revealed it to be a distinct, previously undescribed species. The new species was named Trimeresurus lii, or the Huaxi green pit viper. The species name "lii" honors the ancient Chinese philosopher Li Er (Laozi), whose teachings emphasize harmony between humans and nature, reflecting the mission of the National Park to preserve the natural environment.

Biological Features

The Huaxi green pit viper is the 58th known species in the genus Trimeresurus and only the second representative of its subgenus recorded in Sichuan Province. Previously, this species was mistakenly identified as the bamboo pit viper (T. stejnegeri) due to their similar green coloration. Genetic studies and morphological analysis confirmed that the discovered population represents a separate evolutionary branch. Distinctive features include smooth head scales, which set it apart from closely related species.

Appearance and Habitat

This snake is well adapted to life in humid mountain forests. Both males and females have bright green bodies, but they differ in appearance: males have a red-and-white stripe along their sides and amber eyes, while females have a yellow stripe and orange-yellow eyes. Adult individuals can reach up to 80 centimeters in length. The species is found in the forests of Mount Emei and the Xue Mountain of Silin, which are part of the Western China rain zone, a region considered a global center of biodiversity. However, many species in this area remain insufficiently studied.

Ecological Importance and Safety

Like other members of the Trimeresurus genus, the Huaxi green pit viper is venomous and can pose a danger to local residents and visitors, as its habitat overlaps with areas of human activity.

Significance of the Discovery

The discovery of this new species highlights that even in well-studied regions, there are still many unknown representatives of the fauna. This finding demonstrates the importance of continuing field research in centers of biological diversity.