| Ophryacus undulatus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Ophryacus |
| Species: | O. undulatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Ophryacus undulatus (Jan, 1859) | |
 | |
| Synonyms [1] | |
| |
Ophryacus undulatus is a venomous pitviper species found in the mountains of central and southern Mexico. No subspecies are currently recognized. [4]
Adults grow to 55–70 centimetres (21+5⁄8–27+1⁄2 inches) in length and are moderately stout. [2] Elongated supraocular scales form a pair of "horns" or "spines" over the eyes. [3]
The color pattern consists of a silvery-gray ground color overlaid with a series of black dorsal blotches that merge to form a broad wavy stripe. Black speckling is present on the flanks. The top of the head is black. [3]
Found in the mountains of central and southern Mexico (Hidalgo, Veracruz, Oaxaca and Guerrero) west of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec at elevations of 1,800–2,800 m (5,900–9,200 ft). The type locality given is "Messico" (Mexico). H.M. Smith & Taylor (1950) proposed that it be restricted to "Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico." [1]
Brush and rock strewn slopes in the vicinity of streams. [3]
This species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with the following criteria: B1ab(iii) (v3.1, 2001). [5] A species is listed as such when the best available evidence indicates that the geographic range, in the form of extent of occurrence, is estimated to be less than 20,000 km2, that estimates indicate it to be severely fragmented or known to exist at no more than 10 locations, and that a continuing decline has been observed, inferred or projected, in area, extent and/or quality of habitat. It is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. In 2007 when it was last assessed, the population trend was down. [6]
Night-time temperatures throughout its range are low, and this species only seems to be active during the day. Individuals have frequently been seen coiled on or near fallen logs, as well as in bushes and small trees 1–4 m (3.3–13.1 ft) above the ground. [2]
Ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to live young. [3]
Ophryacus is a genus of venomous pit vipers endemic to Mexico. The name is derived from the Greek word ophrys, which means "brow", and the Latin word acus, which means "needle", an allusion to the characteristic horn-like scales over the eyes. Currently, three species are recognized and no subspecies.
Crotalus intermedius is a venomous pit viper species found in central and southern Mexico. Three subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
The Mexican lance-headed rattlesnake or lance-headed rattlesnake is a venomous pit viper species found in central Mexico. No subspecies is currently recognized.
Crotalus pusillus is a venomous pit viper species found in west-central Mexico. No subspecies is currently recognized.
Exiliboa is a monotypic genus created for the non-venomous dwarf boa species, Exiliboa placata, which is endemic to southern Mexico. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Crotalus lorenzoensis is a species of pitviper, a venomous snake in the subfamily Crotalinae of the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to San Lorenzo Sur Island, Mexico.
Metlapilcoatlus nummifer, commonly known as Mexican jumping pitviper or jumping viper, is a venomous pit viper species endemic to Mexico.
Metlapilcoatlus olmec is a venomous pitviper species found in Mexico. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Bothriechis aurifer is a venomous pit viper species found in Mexico and Guatemala. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Bothriechis rowleyi is a species of pit viper, a venomous snake in the subfamily Crotalinae of the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to Mexico. There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid.
Mixcoatlus barbouri is a venomous pit viper species endemic to Mexico. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Cerrophidion tzotzilorum is a venomous pit viper species which is native to southern Mexico. There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid.
Porthidium dunni is a species of venomous pitviper in the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to Mexico. There are no recognized subspecies.
Porthidium hespere is a venomous pitviper species found in western Mexico. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Porthidium nasutum is a venomous pitviper species found in southern Mexico, Central America and northern South America. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Porthidium yucatanicum is a venomous pitviper species found in Mexico. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Mixcoatlus melanurus is a venomous pitviper species endemic to the mountains of southern Mexico. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Metlapilcoatlus mexicanus is a venomous pitviper species endemic to Mexico and Central America.
Gloydius monticola is a venomous pitviper species endemic to southern China. A small and darkly colored snake with no visible color pattern, it is found high in the mountains of northern Yunnan province. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Bothrops oligolepis is a venomous pitviper species found in Peru and Bolivia. The specific name is derived from the Greek words oligo and lepis, meaning "few scales"; probably an allusion to the lower numbers of dorsal and ventral scales that it has compared to B. bilineatus. No subspecies are currently recognized.
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