Reptile · Venomous snake
White-lipped pit viper care guide
Trimeresurus albolabris
The white-lipped pit viper is a expert-level venomous snake from S China, Southeast Asia. Adults reach 60–90 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. A frequent cause of bites in Asia; hemotoxic venom needs specific antivenom.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 90 cm
- Temp 25–29°C
- Humidity 70–90%
How much does a white-lipped pit viper cost in Canada?
White-lipped pit viper quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 60–90 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- S China, Southeast Asia
- 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
White-lipped 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 white-lipped pit viper eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small thawed mouse every 10–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Arboreal and quick; 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 white-lipped 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
White-lipped pit viper FAQ
Is the white-lipped pit viper good for beginners?
No – the white-lipped pit viper is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Arboreal and quick; tools only.
What size enclosure does a white-lipped 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 white-lipped pit viper cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 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 white-lipped pit viper need?
Temperature: 25–29°C. Humidity: 70–90%.
What does a white-lipped pit viper eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one small thawed mouse every 10–14 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.