Pitvipers

Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarus); Photo by Justin Elden

Pitvipers are represented by 22 different genera across North America, Mesoamerica, South America, and Asia. The most diverse genera include the lanceheads (genus Bothrops), the rattlesnakes (genus Crotalus), the Asian moccasins (genus Gloydius), and the Bamboo pitvipers (genus Trimeresurus). Pitvipers are incredible diverse in their ecologies and habitat, as the photos below illustrate.

American Moccasins, Genus *Agkistrodon* . Region: North America and Mesoamerica

Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii) - Photo by Scott Trageser — Palm Pitvipers, Genus *Bothriechis* . Region: Mesoamerica and South America.

Campbell's Toadheaded Viper (Bothrocophias campbelli)- Photo by Scott Trageser — Toadheaded Vipers, Genus *Bothrocophias* . Region: South America

Lanceheads, Genus *Bothrops* . Region: Mesoamerica and South America

Montane Pitvipers, Genus *Cerrophidion* . Region: Mesoamerica

Rattlesnakes, Genus *Crotalus* . Region: North America, Mesoamerica, and South America

Gloydius brevicauda viper - Photo by Scott Trageser — Asian Moccasins, Genus *Gloydius* . Region: North, East, and West Asia.

Hognosed Pitvipers, Genus *Porthidium* . Region: Mesoamerica and South America

Asian Pitvipers, Genus *Protobothrops* . Region: Asia

Ground Rattlesnakes, Genus *Sistrurus* . Region: North America

Red-tailed Bamboo Pitviper (Trimeresurus erythrurus)- Photo by Scott Trageser — Bamboo Pitvipers, Genus *Trimeresurus* . Region: East Asia

Bushmasters, Genus *Lachesis* . Region: Mesoamerica and South America

Chinese Moccasin, Genus *Deinagkistrodon* . Region: East Asia

MORE INFO ON THE STATUS OF VIPERS ?

The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Far more than a list of species and their status, it is a powerful tool to inform and catalyze action for biodiversity conservation and policy change, critical to protecting the natural resources we need to survive. It provides information about range, population size, habitat and ecology, use and/or trade, threats, and conservation actions that will help inform necessary conservation decisions.

Photo by Marco Martins