The Mists of Sichuan Reveal Vibrant New Pit Viper Species Hidden for Decades

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People in the Western world probably know Sichuan for its cuisine. Indeed, this province in southwestern China is famous across the world for its bold, spicy food. If you like dishes like Kung Pao chicken, for example, you can thank Sichuan province for the recipe. While it is less known for its wildlife, Sichuan is home to creatures like Tibetan wolves, giant flying squirrels, and golden snub-nosed monkeys. It also features several types of snakes. Recently, scientists discovered a new species of pit viper tucked away in the province’s murky mountain ranges.

It seems that even the most well-versed scientist can overlook a new species, as this newly classified pit viper was assumed to be an already known, common species. Only after scientists conducted DNA analysis on a specimen did they discover a brand-new species of pit viper. Named after an ancient Chinese philosopher, the snake features a vivid green color and striking sexual dimorphism (differences between males and females) in terms of eye color and scale markings.

Pit Viper Background

Pit viper refers to a subfamily of vipers that live in Asia and the Americas. They get their name from a pair of heat-sensing organs in a divot between their eyes and nostrils. Pit vipers belong to at least 155 species, all of which are venomous. While some, like the hump-nosed viper, only grow to about a foot and a half long, the bushmaster pit viper can reach up to twelve feet in length. Considering that pit vipers include a wide range of species, from Asian variations to North American rattlesnake species, the classification is quite diverse.

That being said, all pit vipers contain that unique pit between their eyes and nostrils, which contains a finely-tuned, infrared-sensing organ. This organ provides them with a remarkable ability to detect prey. Another characteristic that distinguishes pit vipers is a specialized muscle between their venom gland and a bone in their skulls called the ectopterygoid . The contraction of this muscle is what allows pit vipers to inject venom.

Right Under Their Noses

With the abundance of pit viper species out there, it isn’t entirely surprising that at least one species went unnoticed. Scientists recently discovered a new Sichuan province pit viper: Trimeresurus lii , or the Huaxi green pit viper . Researchers were conducting fieldwork around the West China Rain zone studying wildlife when they came across a green snake. At first, they thought it was just another common species. Upon closer inspection, the researchers from the Chengdu Institute of Biology and the Giant Panda National Park realized they had a brand-new species on their hands.

The snake’s physical traits, including smooth head scales, were enough to call for more detailed DNA testing, which proved that the snake was actually a separate species. The researchers named it Trimeresurus lii , an homage to Li Er or Laozi , the ancient Chinese philosopher. As researcher Bo Cai explained to Science Daily, “His teachings emphasize the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, a principle that perfectly aligns with the conservation mission of the Giant Panda National Park where this species was discovered.”

The snake had gone unnoticed for decades, or at most, mistaken for the bamboo pit viper, which also has green coloration. Now, scientists can safely say that the green snake they found is distinct. In fact, it is the 58th species in the Trimeresurus genus and the second from its subgenus in Sichuan.

Curious Characteristics

The researchers published their findings in the journal Zoosystematics and Evolution , highlighting the unique characteristics that make the Huaxi green pit viper stand apart. For one, this species features distinct sexual dimorphism. Males have a stark red and white stripe along the sides of their bodies and amber-colored eyes, while females have a single yellow stripe and more orange-yellow eyes. These pit vipers grow to about 30 inches in length and are typically found in the forests of Mt. Emei and Xiling Snow Mountain. Like other pit vipers, they are venomous.

Biodiversity Goldmine

The chance discovery of a new species of snake by researchers in the West China Rain Zone highlights the sheer range of species in the area. Moist and replete with jungles, the region is a biodiversity hotbed, largely unstudied. Indeed, there are many species in this region that remain poorly understood, if not completely unknown to scientists.

The team behind the discovery argued as much while speaking to Science Daily . They said, “This discovery highlights the importance of continued field surveys in biodiversity hotspots.” Considering that the team mistook a new species of pit viper for a common snake, there is no telling just how many unique creatures live in the rain zone that have gone unnoticed and overlooked.

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