|
Geographic range:
Neotropical: Found from Mexico to San salvador. In Mexico, only on
Pacific slope from Sonora south and on Yucatan Peninsula.
Subspecies:
Agkistrodon bilineatus bilineatus
- s. Sonora to El Salvador
Agkistrodon bilineatus russeolus
- Yucatan Peninsula
Taxonomy: Agkistrodon taylori (a
separate species), was formerly considered a subspecies of Agkistrodon
bilineatus. This form occurs on the atlantic slopes from Nuevo
Leon to c. Veracruz. Physical
characteristics: Strongly built pitviper of medium size (55
- 70 cm) SVL. Head is depressed and roughly triangular, well distinct
from neck. Head carries distinct white or yellowish stripes running
from the snout across the eye and from snout over the upper lip. Overall
body color is brown, tan or even reddish. Tip of the tail is yellowish
green. Scales on the upper body are heavily keeled. Food
habits: Feeds mainly on small vertebrates - mammals, reptiles,
amphibians and fish.
Reproduction: Viviparous, typical
clutch of 8 - 20 eggs. Behavior:
Nocturnal snake with terrestrial activity. Venom contains very potent
and dangerous hemorrhagic toxin. Juveniles are known to use the colorful
tip of the tail to attract small insectivorous vertebrates, employing
it as a lure.
Habitat: Primarily deciduous and thorn forest. Records from
tall forest and wet areas less frequent. Biomes:
tropical forest, thorn forest |
|
|
|