Rainforest Hognosed Pit Viper
Porthidium nasutum
A small, well-camouflaged terrestrial pit viper of Central and South American rainforests, named for its upturned snout.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.6 m (1.3-2 ft)
- Range
- Southern Mexico to northern South America (Colombia, Ecuador)
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Overview
The Rainforest Hognosed Pit Viper is a small, cryptically colored snake found on the floor of lowland tropical rainforests, blending seamlessly into leaf litter.
Its distinctive upturned snout scale, shared with related Porthidium species, gives the group its common 'hognosed' name, and aids in identification against similarly patterned terrestrial vipers.
How to identify it
- Brown, tan, or grayish coloration with darker irregular blotches, mimicking leaf litter
- Slightly upturned rostral scale giving a 'hognosed' appearance
- Short, stout body
- Triangular head with vertical pupils
- Keeled scales
- Distinguished from other small pit vipers by its distinctive snout shape and leaf-litter camouflage
Habitat & range
Found on the forest floor in lowland tropical rainforest, from southern Mexico through Central America into parts of northern South America.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Terrestrial and largely nocturnal, relying on camouflage to ambush small rodents, frogs, and lizards. Ovoviviparous. Bites are notable due to its cryptic nature, making it easy to accidentally step near.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called 'hognosed'?
Because of its slightly upturned snout scale.
Where is it found?
On rainforest floors from southern Mexico to parts of northern South America.
Is it dangerous?
It is venomous, and its excellent camouflage means people sometimes get close without noticing it.
How big does it get?
It is a small species, usually 0.4-0.6 m (1.3-2 ft).
Rainforest Hognosed Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Rainforest Hognosed Pit Viper.
