Side-striped palm pitviper
A species of Palm vipers, Also known as Green palm viper, Parrot viper, Side-striped palm pit viper Scientific name : Bothriechis lateralis Genus : Palm vipers
Side-striped palm pitviper, A species of Palm vipers
Also known as:
Green palm viper, Parrot viper, Side-striped palm pit viper
Scientific name: Bothriechis lateralis
Genus: Palm vipers
Content
Description General Info
Photo By morganstickrod , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Bothriechis lateralis is a venomous pit viper species found in the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama. No subspecies are currently recognized.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Side-striped palm pitviper is an exclusive carnivore, predominantly feeding on small mammals and birds. Employing its venomous bite, it relies on precise timing to capture rodents, bats, and fledglings in their nests.
Appearance
Side-striped palm pitviper is a small, slender viper, famous for its striking vertical hourglass shape marks on its greenish-yellow scales. The scalation is keeled and its thin tail ends in a rattle-like structure. Side-striped palm pitviper often sports a line of dark triangles from its eyes to the angle of jaw. Notably, this viper possesses large, prominent eyes with vertical pupils. While both genders are similar in appearance, the female is typically larger and often darker.
Behavior
Side-striped palm pitviper is a primarily arboreal species and thus has developed excellent climbing skills for survival. Known for its nocturnal nature, it hunts after sunset, utilizing its extremely sensitive heat-sensing pits to detect and immobilize prey. A largely solitary creature, side-striped palm pitviper becomes aggressive when threatened, warning potential attackers with striking movements. Female members exhibit ovoviviparity, giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
Population
Stable
Photo By morganstickrod , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Palm vipers Species
Side-striped palm pitviper