AnimaliaIUCN LCApproved Recent Sighting

Porthidium nasutum

Rainforest Hognosed Pitviper

Bocourt, 1868

Detailed Texts Multi-lang

Small, robust-bodied viper, characterized by having an upturned rostral scale on the tip of the snout, forming a nose-like appendage. Its coloration varies from brown to grayish with dark triangular markings.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Other Names (Global)

Rainforest Hognosed PitviperTamagáSerpiente nariz de cerdo

Taxonomy

PhylumChordata

ClassReptilia

OrderSquamata

FamilyViperidae

GenusPorthidium

Taxonomic AuthorityBocourt, 1868

Ecology & Status

Origin

Native

Population Trend

Stable

Breeding Season

Year Round

Trophic Role

Carnivore

Recent Sightings

Yes

Habitat Summary Multi-lang

Inhabits mainly the floor of humid tropical jungles, gallery forests, and dense vegetation zones near rivers.

Behaviour Multi-lang

Mainly nocturnal; active on the forest floor.

Social Activity Multi-lang

Solitary; very difficult to observe because it remains motionless when threatened.

Feeding Guild Multi-lang

Ambush predator; uses its loreal pits to detect the heat of its prey.

Trophic Chain Details Multi-lang

Carnivore; feeds on small lizards, frogs, and rodents.

Reproductive Behaviour Multi-lang

Viviparous; females give birth to live young.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

30.0 - 60.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

50 g - 200 g

Offspring per cycle5 - 12

Sexual DimorphismYes

Lifespan

Sexual Maturity

1 - 2 Years

Gestation / Incubation

90 - 120

Lifespan Estimated

Males0 Years

Females0 Years

Sexual Dimorphism

Males Multi-lang

Males are usually smaller and slenderer.

Females Multi-lang

Females are significantly more robust for gestation.

Evolutionary Adaptations Multi-lang

Upturned snout: Helps the snake remove leaf litter and detect prey buried or hidden in the substrate.

Main Threats Multi-lang

Deforestation and loss of the leaf litter layer necessary for its camouflage and hunting.

Interesting Facts Multi-lang

Despite being venomous, its nature is quite passive; its best defense is its incredible camouflage ability on the forest floor.