Slender Hognosed Pit Viper
Porthidium ophryomegas
A slender terrestrial pit viper of Pacific dry forest habitats in Central America, related to other hognosed pit vipers.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.6 m (1.3-2 ft)
- Range
- Pacific lowlands of Mexico through Central America to Costa Rica
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Overview
The Slender Hognosed Pit Viper inhabits the drier Pacific-slope forests and scrublands of Central America, a habitat distinct from the wetter rainforest favored by some of its relatives.
It shares the characteristic upturned snout of the Porthidium genus, along with a more slender build that helps distinguish it from other hognosed pit viper species.
How to identify it
- Tan, brown, or grayish coloration with darker saddle-like blotches
- Slightly upturned snout scale
- Slender body compared to other hognosed pit vipers
- Triangular head with vertical pupils
- Keeled scales
- Distinguished from the Rainforest Hognosed Pit Viper by its slimmer build and drier habitat preference
Habitat & range
Found in tropical dry forest, scrubland, and deciduous forest along the Pacific lowlands from Mexico through Central America to Costa Rica.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Terrestrial and nocturnal, feeding on small rodents, lizards, and frogs. Ovoviviparous. Relies primarily on camouflage within leaf litter and dry vegetation to avoid detection.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Slender Hognosed Pit Viper live?
In dry forest and scrubland along the Pacific lowlands from Mexico to Costa Rica.
How is it different from the Rainforest Hognosed Pit Viper?
It has a more slender build and prefers drier habitats.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous pit viper.
What does it eat?
Small rodents, lizards, and frogs.
Slender Hognosed Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Slender Hognosed Pit Viper.
