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Okinawa Habu
Protobothrops flavoviridis
The Okinawa Habu is a large, highly venomous pit viper endemic to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, notorious for its cytotoxic venom and aggressive nature.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Viperidae
Subfamily:Crotalinae
Genus:Protobothrops
Species:Protobothrops flavoviridis
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
65 - 85 %
Day temperature
20 - 30 °C
Ambient temperature
20 - 30 °C
Night temperature
21 - 23 °C
Basking spot
30 °C
Adult size
240 cm
Minimum enclosure
>= 500 L
UVB
Low
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: This species is endemic to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, with populations concentrated primarily on the Okinawa and Amami island groups. It inhabits a variety of environments, including subtropical rainforests, palm groves, agricultural areas (especially sugarcane fields), volcanic caves, and rural human settlements, where it hunts rodents. It is a terrestrial and semi-arboreal snake, sheltering in rock crevices, stone walls, and hollow tree roots.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Protobothrops flavoviridis belongs to the family Viperidae, subfamily Crotalinae (pit vipers). Formerly placed in the genus Trimeresurus, it was reclassified into the genus Protobothrops based on molecular phylogenetic studies. Its genetics have been extensively researched in Japan to develop effective species-specific antivenom. It is not considered endangered due to its adaptability to disturbed habitats.
Behavior and Habits: Primarily nocturnal and opportunistic. During the day, it remains hidden in cool, dark retreats to avoid overheating, becoming active at dusk. It is highly excitable and aggressive; when cornered or threatened, it will not hesitate to strike repeatedly and with great speed. It is capable of striking from a distance of up to two-thirds of its body length. It utilizes heat-sensing pit organs located between the eyes and nostrils to detect warm-blooded prey in absolute darkness.
Morphology: A large snake with a slender but muscular body; adults typically reach 1.5 meters in length, with exceptional specimens exceeding 2 meters. The head is large, triangular, and distinct from the neck. The coloration consists of a pale green or yellowish-green background patterned with dark brown or olive-green geometric blotches with yellow margins that merge along the dorsal ridge. Sexual dimorphism is minimal, though males have slightly longer tails.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: As a highly venomous (DANGEROUS) species, housing requires maximum security protocols. The enclosure must be escape-proof, equipped with heavy-duty key locks and tempered glass, with minimum dimensions of 150x60x80 cm. Provide sturdy climbing branches and multiple hides in both the hot and cold zones. An integrated shift box is mandatory to secure the snake safely during cleaning and maintenance.
Lighting and Heating: Requires a precise thermal gradient. Use overhead heating elements protected by mesh guards to prevent contact burns. Maintain a hot zone temperature of 28-30°C (82-86°F) with a localized basking spot of 32°C (90°F), and a cool zone of 24-25°C (75-77°F). Nighttime temperatures should drop to 20-22°C (68-72°F). Low-output (2-5%) UVB lighting can be used to support circadian rhythms.
Humidity and Hydration: Requires moderate to high humidity, between 60% and 75%. Mist the enclosure regularly with warm water, especially during the shedding cycle to ensure complete ecdysis. Provide a heavy, stable water bowl in the cool zone. Keep water clean and fresh to prevent bacterial growth.
Feeding and Supplementation: Strictly carnivorous. Feed appropriate-sized rats or mice, which must be offered pre-killed or thawed to prevent injury to the snake and minimize dangerous handling. Feed juveniles every 7-10 days, and adults every 14-20 days. Mineral supplementation is generally unnecessary if feeding healthy rodents, but calcium can be dusted occasionally.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary. Do not house multiple specimens together due to the high risk of cannibalism, territorial fighting, or accidental envenomation. Any contact must be limited to experienced breeders during controlled mating attempts.
Health and Common Diseases: The venom of this species is highly cytotoxic and hemotoxic, causing severe tissue necrosis, pain, and systemic bleeding; keepers must establish strict emergency protocols and identify medical facilities stocking appropriate antivenom. Health issues in captivity include respiratory infections from low temperatures and infectious stomatitis (mouth rot) due to poor hygiene.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This species is endemic to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, with populations concentrated primarily on the Okinawa and Amami island groups. It inhabits a variety of environments, including subtropical rainforests, palm groves, agricultural areas (especially sugarcane fields), volcanic caves, and rural human settlements, where it hunts rodents. It is a terrestrial and semi-arboreal snake, sheltering in rock crevices, stone walls, and hollow tree roots.
Origin
East Asia
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 240 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 240 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 240 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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