I occasionally get called out to help move snakes that could be causing a problem, and most often it is these small green chaps that are often found scaring residents around Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay.
They seem to have adapted to urban areas, and I even find them near lights - hanging near washing lines, on gates, or in flower pots - which is extremely unusual for a nocturnal hunter. And a bit too close for comfort for most families.
Here we find at male and a female (having a yawn)
Adam and I have set up a website (shameless plug here) to help people ID and learn more about the snakes of Hong Kong . www.hongkongsnakeid.com.
all the information below is taken from our site:
DESCRIPTON Bright green with yellow belly. Males are smaller than females with a distinctive white stripe above the lip running laterally down the length of the body giving rise to it's formal common name the 'White-Lipped Viper'. Both male and female have characteristically triangular shaped head with yellow/gold eyes containing vertical pupils. Can have orange/brown coloration on the tail.
BEHAVIOR
Active at night and occasionally roosting in bushes during the day. The Bamboo Viper is an ambush predator that will wait in a single position ready to strike. They are a viper and have relatively long retractable fangs and will bite readily at anything that comes within range. Generally not prone to give chase but will hold their ground if they feel cornered. Not actively aggressive but will not hesitate to bite. A bite from a Bamboo Viper should be considered very serious and medical attention should be sought immediately. Although not known to be deadly serious damage can occur from a bite even if treated and complications can always arise.
video https://youtu.be/DqQ7WdrlzXo
ps Happy Birthday to me!!