What is Jumping pit viper (Metlapilcoatlus)?

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Squamata
• Suborder: Serpentes
• Family: Viperidae
• Genus: Metlapilcoatlus
• Species: M. nummifer

Tropical forests of Central America are home to amazingly diverse animals. Many snake species live in this region. The dominant group of venomous snakes here are pit vipers. They are well adapted for life in tropical forests. Most pit vipers have color which helps them to blend in their habitat. These predators use sit and wait strategy to hunt. 

Some pit viper genre are predominantly from Central America or live only in this region. For example, Jumping pit viper (Metlapilcoatlus). Jumping pit viper can be found only in Central America. The genus currently comprises of five species and can be found in range from Mexico to Panama.

-Why it is called jumping pit viper? 

It refers the striking style of the snake. However, jumping pit vipers don’t strike for significantly bigger distance than it is usual in other snakes. Snakes strike only when they really feel threatened. Jumping pit vipers also shake their tail to warn. On certain substate the tail makes a sound resembling the rattling of a Rattlesnake.

-Description

Jumping pit vipers have huge head compared to their body size. It is mostly visible in adults while juveniles have a proportional head to their size. 

-Habitat

Central American jumping pit vipers are not very common snakes. They inhabit forests in the low lands and middle elevations. This species has a very patchy distribution in Costa Rica. 

-Venom

The venom of jumping pit vipers is very mild and unlike most pit vipers they hold the prey after the initial bite. It was great to work with this amazing species in Costa Rica.

-Bites 

Bites are rare as the snakes don’t come to contact with people very often.