Wagler's Pit Viper Tropidolaemus wagleri, Harapan Rainforest, Sumatra, Indonesia, 2011There have been a couple of new snake identifications in Harapan. They are both pit vipers, Hagen’s Pit Viper Trimeresurus hageni and Wagler’s Pit Viper Tropidolaemus wagleri (shown in the photo). They have “pits” between their eyes and nostrils. These pits contain infrared sensors that help them detect prey. They will lie in wait for prey, usually small mammals. Because they can detect prey using infrared, they are active at night rather than the day. Both are extremely venomous. Like all snakes, they are not dangerous unless provoked. We expect Harapan Rainforest to have a very rich diversity of snakes, and we are really excited to make more discoveries in the future.