Wagler's pit viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Wagler's pit viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri) (origin: The Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo). Adult size around 60–100 cm (females considerably larger). Life expectancy 12–18 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Wagler's pit viper: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×60×100 cm.
Wagler's pit viper: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot 30 °C, at night 21–23 °C.
Wagler's pit viper: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Weak UVB recommended.
Wagler's pit viper: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 12–18 years.
Wagler's pit viper: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–23 °C
- Basking spot
- 30 °C
- Humidity
- 75–90 %
- UVB
- Weak UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 80×60×100 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, horizontal branches, dense planting
Feeding
- Food
- Small frozen-thawed mice
- Feeding interval
- adults every 14–21 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 60–100 cm (females considerably larger)
- Life expectancy
- 12–18 years
- Origin
- The Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo
- 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
An extremely site-faithful ambush hunter that barely moves for days – known from the snake temple on Penang. Male and female look completely different. Very calm, but venomous.
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Related species
- North Philippine temple pit viper (Tropidolaemus subannulatus) – Expert
- Savanna vine snake (Thelotornis capensis) – Expert
- Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) – Expert
- Egyptian saw-scaled viper (Echis pyramidum) – Expert
- Barnett's lancehead (Bothrops barnetti) – Expert
- Usambara bush viper (Atheris ceratophora) – Expert
- Ottoman viper (Montivipera xanthina) – Expert
- Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Wagler's pit viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×60×100 cm), substrate (Coco humus, horizontal 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: 8 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Reptile Database: Tropidolaemus wagleri - ovoviviparous – https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Tropidolaemus&species=wagleri, McCleary et al. 2015 zu Gelege-/Wurfmerkmalen (zitiert in Reptile Database) – https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Tropidolaemus&species=wagleri, https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waglers_Lanzenotter, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropidolaemus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropidolaemus_wagleri
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).