Metlapilcoatlus mexicanus

(Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854)

Vernacular names
English : Central American jumping viper
French : Vipère sauteuse du Mexique

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow up to 97 cm, females being bigger than males. Very stout body with tubercular keeling on dorsal scales. Beige brown coloration with light-edged black diamond-shaped blotches on back. Black stripe from eye to neck.

Range and habitat
This species is endemic to eastern Mexico and occurs from south Tamaulipas to north Puebla. Lives in tropical rainforests, lower cloud forests and pine savannas, to 1600 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is moderately common throughout its range but could be declining fast because of the destruction of its habitat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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