Overview over Sulawesi

During one of my trips to Sulawesi I was able to talk to local snake hunters that collect these snakes from various locations. According to them, typically blue-barred adult females (T. subannulatus) are found in Central, North and Southeast Sulawesi (and on Buton Island), while the red-blotched form (T. laticinctus) is mainly found in North Sulawesi. Additionally, there exist red-barred populations from South Sulawesi (Makassar and surrounds), which resemble very closely Northern Philippine populations. However, adult females from Sulawesi are much larger, around 80 cm or more. Interestingly, locals told me that these red-barred females only have about 4- 5 young per clutch (despite their respectable size), similar to to the populations from the Northern Philippines. Check the table in the section on breeding!

Adult female from Sulawesi, exact location unknown, but reportedly from Central Sulawesi. In my view the most beautiful specimen ever photographed from this island.

Adult female, probably from the same population as the specimen above

Large (about 70 cm) adult male, probably from same population as female below.

Heavy-weight (80 cm) adult female. Note the brownish-red tail, a pattern often seen with specimens from Sulawesi.

Adult female with interesting banding pattern and coloration.

Adult Sulawesi male, displaying red-brown spots on the back. As seen quite often on males, parallel spots fuse in the hind portion of the body.

Wagler’s Viper Site - Sulawesi Overview

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During one of my trips to Sulawesi I was able to talk to local snake hunters that collect these snakes from various locations. According to them, typically blue-barred adult females (T. subannulatus) are found in Central, North and Southeast Sulawesi (and on Buton Island), while the red-blotched form (T. laticinctus) is mainly found in North Sulawesi. Additionally, there exist red-barred populations from South Sulawesi (Makassar and surrounds), which resemble very closely Northern Philippine populations. However, adult females from Sulawesi are much larger, around 80 cm or more. Interestingly, locals told me that these red-barred females only have about 4-5 young per clutch (despite their respectable size), similar to to the populations from the Northern Philippines. Check the table in the section on breeding!