Sumatran pit viper (Trimeresurus sumatranus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Sumatran pit viper (Trimeresurus sumatranus) (origin: Südthailand, Malaiische Halbinsel, Borneo, Sumatra und Nachbarinseln — Tieflandregenwald unter 800 m). Adult size around 100–140 cm (a large species). Life expectancy 10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Sumatran pit viper: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 140×70×105 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, arboreal pit vipers).
Sumatran pit viper: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–29 °C, basking spot 30 °C, at night 21–23 °C.
Sumatran pit viper: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Weak UVB recommended.
Sumatran pit viper: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 10–15 years.
Sumatran pit viper: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–23 °C
- Basking spot
- 30 °C
- Humidity
- 75–90 %
- UVB
- Weak UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 140×70×105 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, arboreal pit vipers)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, sturdy climbing branches, dense planting
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 100–140 cm (a large species)
- Life expectancy
- 10–15 years
- Origin
- Südthailand, Malaiische Halbinsel, Borneo, Sumatra und Nachbarinseln — Tieflandregenwald unter 800 m
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a dangerous animal under German state law
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
One of the largest bamboo vipers, powerfully built. It needs high humidity with good ventilation and stable, load-bearing branches.
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Related species
- Gumprecht's green pit viper (Trimeresurus gumprechti) – Expert
- Hagen's pit viper (Trimeresurus hageni) – Expert
- Island pit viper (Trimeresurus insularis) – Expert
- Mangrove pit viper (Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus) – Expert
- White-lipped pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) – Expert
- Savanna vine snake (Thelotornis capensis) – Expert
- Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) – Expert
- Egyptian saw-scaled viper (Echis pyramidum) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Sumatran pit viper (Trimeresurus sumatranus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 140×70×105 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, arboreal pit vipers)), substrate (Coco humus, sturdy climbing branches, dense planting), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Trimeresurus&species=sumatranus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimeresurus_sumatranus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimeresurus
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).