Types of Pit Vipers
The subfamily Crotalinae, or pit vipers, comprises a wide range of genera and species of snakes. They live in a wide geographical range from the Americas to Asia and vary just as widely in their physical appearance. Pit vipers have a few common characteristics, from their ambush-hunting style to their reclusive group nesting habits. By studying a few pit vipers you can understand the diversity and unique traits of these reptile predators.
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Shedao Island Pit Viper
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The Shedao Island pit viper is found primarily on Shedao, off the coast of Liaotung in China. Adults grow to about 65 to 70 cm in length and have a brown body marked with dark brown "X" shapes and a small stripe just behind their eyes. They primarily eat small perching birds that they capture - like most pit vipers - by surprise on the ground or from tree branches.
Green Pit Viper
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The green pit viper of Sri Lanka gets its name from its brilliant green scales. These scales also have yellow blotches that camouflage the animal while it rests. Green pit vipers also have a versatile prehensile tail, which aids them in climbing trees and clinging to tree branches. Unlike most pit vipers it sleeps at night and waits motionless during the day until a lizard or tree frog passes by, then ambushes and injects it with venom. After the prey has succumbed it swallows it whole.
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Sidewinder
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Crotalus cerastes, or the American Southwest sidewinder snake, ranges from arid deserts to low-altitude rocky areas. As its name implies, it slithers sideways to travel. Primarily found in arid, desert climates, the sidewinder has a light, sandy color, which helps it blend effectively with its environment. Adults grow up to 30 inches long, but females generally grow much larger than the males. Even though they prefer to avoid humans sidewinders sometimes can be found in populated areas like the city of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Cottonmouth
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The cottonmouth has a reputation as one of the most aggressive and venomous snakes of North America. Unlike most of their fellow pit vipers, the cottonmouth splits its time between land and water. Primarily found in the Southeastern United States, the cottonmouth gets its name from the bright white interior of its mouth, which it displays when threatened. Unlike many pit vipers that will flee to escape a threat, the cottonmouth will often stand its ground displaying its trademark mouth and fangs.
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References
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