A new species of green pit viper of the genus Trimeresurus Lacepede, 1804 (Reptilia: Serpentes: Viperidae) from the Nicobar Archipelago, Indian Ocean

A new species of green pit viper of the genus Trimeresurus, in the T. albolabris complex, is described from Car Nicobar Island of the Nicobar Archipelago, Indian Ocean. The new species, Trimeresurus davidi sp. nov., can be distinguished from all other members of this group by the following characteristics: medium to large body size (277-835 mm SVL); dorsal scales in a series of 21-25:21-23:15-17 rows; nasal partly fused with the first supralabial; 166-179 ventrals, 58-70 subcaudals; one preocular; 2-3 postoculars; 10-12 supralabials; 12-15 infralabials; two internasals usually in contact with each other; 11-14 cephalic scales; verdant green dorsal and ventral color, absence of white ventrolateral stripes along the sides of the body; males with a white supralabial streak, bordered by a reddish tinge above; a pair of white and red stripes along the sides of the tail in both sexes; a reddish brown colored tail and a greenish iris. The new species is endemic to Car Nicobar Island of the Nicobar Archipelago, and should be regarded as an Endangered species owing to its restricted distribution range.