Godman's Montane Pit Viper
Cerrophidion godmani
A small, high-elevation pit viper of Central American cloud forests, adapted to cool montane climates.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.7 m (1.3-2.3 ft)
- Range
- Highlands of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua
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Overview
Godman's Montane Pit Viper occupies cool, high-elevation cloud forest habitats across the highlands of Central America, an environment quite different from the warm lowland rainforests favored by many other pit vipers.
Its terrestrial habits and tolerance of cooler temperatures allow it to occupy a niche largely unavailable to lowland viper species in the region.
How to identify it
- Grayish, brown, or olive coloration with darker, irregular dorsal blotches
- Relatively short, stocky body
- Triangular head with vertical pupils
- Heat-sensing facial pits
- Keeled scales
- Distinguished from lowland pit vipers by its high-elevation range and stockier build
Habitat & range
Found in montane cloud forest and high-elevation habitats across the highlands of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, often above 1,500 m.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Terrestrial and active by day or night depending on temperature, feeding on small rodents, lizards, and amphibians. Ovoviviparous, an adaptation suited to cooler climates.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Godman's Montane Pit Viper live?
In cool, high-elevation cloud forests across Central American highlands.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous pit viper.
How is it adapted to cold climates?
It gives birth to live young, an adaptation common among vipers living in cooler environments.
What does it eat?
Small rodents, lizards, and amphibians.
Godman's Montane Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Godman's Montane Pit Viper.
