Porthidium ophryomegas
| Porthidium ophryomegas | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Porthidium |
| Species: | P. ophryomegas
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| Binomial name | |
| Porthidium ophryomegas (Bocourt, 1868)
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| Synonyms | |
Porthidium ophryomegas is a
Description
Adults usually grow to a length of 40–60 cm (16–24 in) and have a relatively slender build. Females grow larger than males and are often more than 60 cm (24 in) in length, while males are usually about 45 cm (18 in). One exceptional specimen, a female, was reported to measure 77 cm (30 in).[2]
The color pattern consists of a tan, brown, gray or grayish-brown ground color overlaid with a narrow white, yellow or rust brown vertebral stripe and 24–40 dark brown to almost black blotches that oppose or alternate across the vertebral line. The blotches have thin white borders that extend at roughly a right angle from the vertebral line.[2]
Geographic range
Found in
Habitat
Occurs in seasonally
Behavior
When threatened, these snakes have been known to defend themselves vigorously, often striking with such force that the body is thrown forwards or even leaves the ground.[3]
Feeding
The diet consists of rodents and lizards. Juveniles feed mostly on lizards, as well as small frogs if available.[3]
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous, females give birth to live young that are about 6 inches (15 cm) in length.[3]
Venom
One death was confirmed in August, 2022[citation needed]. They are quick to strike and several cases of serious envenomation have required hospitalization. According to Bolaños (1984), of the 477 cases of snakebite in Costa Rica in 1979, three were due to these snakes.[2]
References
- ^ ISBN 1-893777-01-4(volume).
- ^ ISBN 0-8014-4141-2.
- ^ ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.
- ^ "Porthidium ophryomegas". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 6 August 2008.
Further reading
- Bocourt, M.F. 1868. Descriptions de quelques Crotaliens nouveaux appartenant au genre Bothrops, recueillis dans le Guatémala. Annales des sciences naturelles, Series 5, 10: 201–202. ("Bothrops ophryomegas n. sp.")
External links
- Porthidium ophryomegas at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 6 August 2008.