True Vipers: Viperinae
True vipers, classified under the subfamily Viperinae, are known for their robust bodies, triangular heads, and long, hinged fangs. They possess potent venom, which they use to immobilize prey. Unlike pit vipers, true vipers lack heat-sensing pits.
- Characterized by triangular heads and long, hinged fangs.
- Employ potent venom to subdue prey.
- Lack heat-sensing pits, unlike their pit viper relatives.
Bitis — Puff Adders and Gaboon Vipers
The genus Bitis includes the puff adders and Gaboon vipers, known for their stocky bodies and broad, triangular heads. Puff adders can "puff" up their bodies when threatened, while Gaboon vipers have the longest fangs and largest venom yield of all vipers.
| Feature | Puff Adder | Gaboon Viper |
|---|---|---|
| Body Type | Stocky | Stocky |
| Head | Broad, triangular | Broad, triangular |
| Unique Trait | Can puff up when threatened | Longest fangs, largest venom |
| Venom Type | Hemototoxic | Cytotoxic and hemototoxic |
| Habitat | Savannas and rocky areas | Rainforests and humid forests |
Vipera — European Vipers
Snakes in the genus Vipera are found across Europe and Asia, displaying a wide range of habitats. They are known for their zigzagPattern along the back and are responsible for most snakebite incidents in Europe due to their proximity to humans.
- Commonly found in Europe and Asia.
- Recognizable by the zigzag pattern along their backs.
- Responsible for most snakebite incidents in Europe.
Cerastes — Horned Vipers
Cerastes vipers, such as the Sahara horned viper, are adapted to desert environments. They have unique horn-like structures above their eyes and move in a sidewinding motion to traverse sandy dunes. Their venom is highly potent, causing severe tissue damage.
- Adapted to desert climates.
- Feature horn-like structures above their eyes.
- Move via sidewinding motion on sand.
- Known for highly potent venom.
Pit Vipers: Crotalinae
Pit vipers, belonging to the subfamily Crotalinae, are characterized by heat-sensing pits located between their eyes and nostrils, which help them detect warm-blooded prey. They possess the same long, hinged fangs as true vipers and are known for their agile, slender bodies.
- Have heat-sensing pits for detecting prey.
- Triangular heads with long, hinged fangs.
- More agile and slender than true vipers.
Agkistrodon — Cottonmouths and Water Moccasins
Members of the genus Agkistrodon, including cottonmouths and water moccasins, are often found in watery environments. They are aggressive when threatened and possess venom that can cause severe pain and swelling, although fatalities are rare.
| Feature | Cottonmouth | Water Moccasin |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat | Wetlands and swamps | Swamps and marshy areas |
| Behavior | Aggressive when threatened | Aggressive and territorial |
| Venom | Causes severe pain | Causes severe pain |
| Fatalities | Rare | Rare |
Bothrops — Fer-de-Lance and Lanceheads
Bothrops vipers, like the Fer-de-Lance, are notorious for their aggressive behavior and potent venom. They thrive in tropical environments and are responsible for many snakebites in Central and South America due to their abundance and proximity to human settlements.
- Commonly found in tropical environments.
- Known for aggressive behavior and potent venom.
- Responsible for numerous snakebites in Central and South America.
Sistrurus — Pygmy Rattlesnakes
The genus Sistrurus consists of smaller rattlesnakes known as pygmy rattlesnakes. They possess the characteristic rattle at the end of their tails, which they use as a warning. Despite their small size, their venom is potent and can cause significant health issues.
| Feature | Pygmy Rattlesnake |
|---|---|
| Size | Smaller than typical rattlesnakes |
| Rattle | Characteristic rattle at tail |
| Venom | Potent |
| Habitat | Wetlands, forests, and grasslands |