Metlapilcoatlus mexicanus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Metlapilcoatlus mexicanus
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Metlapilcoatlus
Species:	mexicanus
Synonyms
Atropos Mexicanus A.M.C. Duméril, Bibron & A.H.A. Duméril, 1854 Bothriechis mexicanus – Cope, 1861 Bothriopsis mexicanus – Cope, 1871 Bothriechis nummifera var. notata Fischer, 1880 Bothrops mexicanus – F. Müller, 1880 Teleuraspis mexicanus – Cope, 1887 Bothrops nummifer mexicanus – Mertens, 1952 Porthidium nummifer mexicanum – Campbell & Lamar, 1989 Atropoides nummifer mexicana – Campbell & Brodie, 1992

Common names: Central American jumping pitviper.

Metlapilcoatlus mexicanus is a venomous pitviper species endemic to Mexico and Central America.

Description

M. mexicanus, Dominical, Costa Rica.

Adults grow to an average of 50–70 cm (about 20–28 inches) in total length. The maximum total length is 86.7 cm (34+1⁄8 in) for males and 97.9 cm (38+1⁄2 in) for females. The body is extremely stout.

Geographic range

Central American jumping pitviper. Mano de piedra. ( Metlapilcoatlus mexicanus)

Found in the Atlantic drainage from Mexico (in the Mexican states of Tabasco and Chiapas) south to the Canal Zone in Panama, both slopes of Costa Rica and Panama. Occurs at elevations of 40–1,600 m (130–5,250 ft). The type locality given is "Coban, capitale de la province de la Véra-Paz, (République de Guatemala, Amérique centrale)" (Cobán, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala).

Taxonomy

Regarded as a full species, Metlapilcoatlus mexicanus, by Campbell and Lamar (2004).