This Newly Discovered Snake Was Named After Salazar Slytherin

The viper, scientifically referred to as Trimeresurus salazar, is a part of the genus Trimeresurus family, which is native to East and Southeast Asia. Known to be venomous, this is the newest of 48 species of that genus known to science. According to Zoosystematics and Evolution, Salazar’s pit vipers are mostly green, save for an orange-red stripe found on the heads of males along the lower border of their eyes, which makes them unique.

Photo: Zoosystematics and Evolution

Photo: Zoosystematics and Evolution

The team shared details of the discovery, saying, “The type specimens were found during night search between 18:00–22:00 hours along a road…coiled on shrubs.” They explained that a third snake of the kind managed to escape, perfectly living up to Slytherin’s famous words from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: “We Slytherins are brave, yes, but not stupid. For instance, given the choice, we will always choose to save our own necks.”