Reptile · Venomous snake
Wagler's pit viper care guide
Tropidolaemus wagleri
The wagler's pit viper is a expert-level venomous snake from S Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines. Adults reach 60–100 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Sedentary arboreal viper; mist daily as it drinks from leaves.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 90 cm
- Temp 25–29°C
- Humidity 70–90%
How much does a wagler's pit viper cost in Canada?
Wagler's pit viper quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 60–100 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- S Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 90 cm (24 × 18 × 35 in, ≈ 64 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 25–29°C
- Humidity
- 70–90%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Wagler's pit viper enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 90 cm (24 × 18 × 35 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: 25–29°C. Humidity: 70–90%. UVB: Recommended.
Some Canadian provinces and many municipalities restrict or ban this species. Check your local bylaws and any provincial permit rules before buying.
What does a wagler's pit viper eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Sits still for days but strikes fast; tools only.
Health watch: Watch for dehydration and parasites in imports.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a wagler's pit viper bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 90 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Wagler's pit viper FAQ
Is the wagler's pit viper good for beginners?
No – the wagler's pit viper is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Sits still for days but strikes fast; tools only.
What size enclosure does a wagler's pit viper need?
At least 60 × 45 × 90 cm (about 24 × 18 × 35 inches, roughly 64 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a wagler's pit viper cost in Canada?
Typically $400–900 CAD to buy, about $770–1350 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a wagler's pit viper need?
Temperature: 25–29°C. Humidity: 70–90%.
What does a wagler's pit viper eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 14 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.