Middle and high elevations of Costa Rica are home to some species of arboreal pit vipers. Mountain forests are usually inhabited by small diversity of herpetofauna. However, species which live here are often specialists. Pit vipers are well adapted to colder climate. For example, they give birth instead of laying eggs.
Now, I am going to introduce two pit vipers in Costa Rica.
First, Side-striped palm pit viper (Bothriechis lateralis).
Side-striped palm pit viper lives in the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama. This pit viper is arboreal. At present, there are no recognized subspecies of this species.
Its color is usually emerald green and bluish. Juveniles are brown. Side-striped palm pit viper occurs at altitudes from 700 to 2000 m above sea level. It is locally common and well preserved habitats, but can be found also in plantations.
Most bites from this species happen in the coffee plantations. Venom of this pit viper has moderate toxicity and fatalities are rare. The main prey are small birds and mammals, rodents, lizards and frogs. These snakes are excellent climbers and spend most of their time above the ground. They can stay motionless for a long period of time. The warm-blooded prey is easily detected by large pit organs on the head. The camouflage of this pit viper is amazing.
Second, Black-speckled palm pit viper (Bothriechis nigroviridis).
Costa Rica and Panama are also home for Black-speckled palm pit viper. At present, there are no recognized subspecies of this species. Black-speckled Palm pit viper is less common than side-striped palm pit viper. The snake is arboreal but can be also found close to the ground.
The combination of green and black colors serves as a perfect camouflage. Juveniles have similar coloration as adults. Some individuals are yellowish instead of emerald green.
The main prey are small vertebrates, such as lizards and frogs. It also feed on small creatures and birds.
Bites from the snake are rare. However, fatalities have already been reported. Most spite results in symptoms as nausea and intense local pain.
Comments
Post a Comment