Viperidae is a family of venomous snakes known as vipers. They possess long, hinged fangs for efficient venom delivery, and their venom is primarily hemotoxic, disrupting blood and tissue. Vipers are found worldwide, except in Australia, and include well-known genera like Bothrops, Crotalus, and Vipera.
- Venomous snakes with long, hinged fangs
- Hemotoxic venom that immobilizes prey and aids digestion
- Worldwide distribution except Australia
- Notable genera: Bothrops (lanceheads), Crotalus (rattlesnakes), Vipera (true vipers)
Vipers mainly use hemotoxic venom.
Vipers are not naturally found in Australia.
Bothrops: Lanceheads
Lancehead vipers are in the genus *Bothrops*.
Bothrops—known as lanceheads—are a diverse group of vipers mainly found in Central and South America. They are responsible for many snakebite incidents due to their potent venom and proximity to human habitats. Their distinctive triangular heads and heat-sensing pits aid in hunting.
- Genus: Bothrops (lanceheads)
- Location: Central and South America
- High incidence of snakebites
- Distinctive triangular heads and heat-sensing pits
*Bothrops* vipers have heat-sensing pits.
Crotalus: Rattlesnakes
*Crotalus* (rattlesnakes) are known for the rattle on their tail.
The genus Crotalus includes rattlesnakes, recognized for the rattle on their tails, which serves as a warning to predators. They are predominantly found in North and Central America. Their venom is a mix of hemotoxins and neurotoxins, making them particularly dangerous.
- Genus: Crotalus (rattlesnakes)
- Distinctive rattle for defense
- Habitat: North and Central America
- Venom: Hemotoxins and neurotoxins
*Crotalus* species are native to North and Central America.
Vipera: True Vipers
*Vipera* true vipers are mainly in Europe and Asia.
The genus Vipera comprises the "true vipers," primarily found in Europe and Asia. They are generally smaller than other vipers and have strongly hemotoxic venom. Vipera berus, the common European adder, is a notable member of this genus.
- Genus: Vipera (true vipers)
- Distribution: Europe and Asia
- Smaller size compared to other vipers
- Venom: Strongly hemotoxic
Source Material
Author: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Document: Vipera berus - Common European Adder
Date Published: 2024
*Vipera* snakes have hemotoxic venom.
Viperidae is a fascinating family of venomous snakes, each genus adapted to its environment with specialized traits for hunting and defense.
- Bothrops (lanceheads) are major causes of snakebite in the Americas.
- Crotalus (rattlesnakes) use a unique rattle for warning.
- Vipera (true vipers) dominate Europe and Asia with potent hemotoxic venom.
Vipers have hinged fangs for venom delivery.
The genus *Crotalus* includes rattlesnakes with a tail rattle.
True vipers (*Vipera*) are native to Europe and Asia.