Trimeresurus insularis

Vertical arboreal terrarium, fully enclosed and secured (lockable), with cross-ventilation

An arboreal species: favour height. Provide numerous horizontal and diagonal branches, dense foliage (live or artificial plants) and elevated hiding spots. SAFETY WARNING: a VENOMOUS snake, medically significant bite; a lockable 'hot cage' type terrarium, signposted, handled exclusively with hook/tongs and by a trained keeper. Check local legislation (keeping venomous animals is often regulated or prohibited).

High humidity but with good ventilation to avoid stagnation. Daily misting (morning/evening); let it dry partially between two to prevent respiratory and skin infections.

Substrate that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. A layer of sphagnum in the low areas helps maintain humidity. Promptly remove droppings and uneaten prey.

Not essential as a nocturnal species. Low UVB (Ferguson zone 1, UV index ~0.7-1.0) on a 10-12 h cycle can be beneficial to metabolism; always provide densely shaded areas.

A large container of clean water renewed regularly. The animal drinks mainly the droplets on the foliage and the walls: misting is essential to its hydration.

Indonesia (Sunda Islands: Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Komodo, Flores, Timor) and East Timor. An insular species of lowland and hill tropical forests, often near watercourses and forest edges.

Carnivore (essentially rodents in captivity) — In captivity: mice/pinkies, then rats of suitable size. In the wild: frogs and lizards (and small rodents).

Feed thawed prey of a diameter close to the widest part of the body. Juveniles every 5-7 days, adults every 10-14 days. NEVER feed by hand: use long tongs. Some wild animals, accustomed to amphibians/lizards, require 'scenting' (rubbing the prey with a frog/lizard) to initiate feeding. Avoid overfeeding (obesity is common on an exclusively rodent diet).

Ovoviviparous/viviparous: the female gives birth to 5-25 neonates after a gestation of about 5-7 months, generally promoted by a slight winter temperature drop. WARNING: the neonates are fully VENOMOUS and lively from birth; isolate them individually in small secured enclosures.

• Respiratory infections (excess stagnant humidity, insufficient ventilation, temperatures too low)
• Dysecdysis (incomplete sheds) linked to unsuitable humidity
• Stomatitis / 'mouth rot' (often after stress or oral trauma, common in wild-caught animals)
• Internal and external parasitism (nematodes, mites) very common in wild animals
• Dehydration and food refusal linked to import stress
• Thermal burns from a poorly shielded heating element