Godman's montane pit viper facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Godman's montane pit viper
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Cerrophidion
Species:	godmani
Synonyms
Bothriechis Godmanni Günther, 1863 Bothrops Brammianus Bocourt, 1868 Bothriopsis godmannii — Cope, 1871 Bothrops (Bothriopsis) Godmanii — F. Müller, 1877 Bothriopsis Godmanii F. Müller, 1877 Bothrops Godmani — F. Müller, 1878 Bothriechis scutigera Fischer, 1880 Bothriechis trianguligera Fischer, 1883 Bothriopsis godmani — Cope, 1887 Bothriopsis scutigera — Cope, 1887 Bothriopsis trianguligera — Cope, 1887 Bothriechis godmani — Günther, 1895 Lachesis godmani — Boulenger, 1896 Trimeresurus godmani — Mocquard, 1909 Bothrops godmani — Barbour & Loveridge, 1929 [Bothrops] godmanni — Amaral, 1944 Bothrops godmanni — Hoge, 1966 Porthidium godmani — Campbell & Lamar, 1989 Cerrophidion godmani — Campbell & Lamar, 1992

Cerrophidion godmani is a venomous pit viper species native to southern Mexico and Guatemala. No subspecies are recognized as being valid. It is also known commonly as Godman's montane pit viper or Godman's pit viper.

Etymology

The specific name, godmani, is in honor of English zoologist Frederick DuCane Godman.

Description

Terrestrial and moderately stout, adults of C. godmani are usually less than 55 cm (21.5 in) in total length (including tail), but sometimes grow to more than 75 cm (30 in). The tail is non-prehensile and short. The dorsal scales are in 21 rows at midbody.

Geographic range

C. godmani is found in Mexico, in the Mexican states of Chiapas and southeastern Oaxaca, and in Guatemala. Populations from south of Guatemala are assigned to a new species, Cerrophidion sasai. The type locality for C. godmani given by Günther in 1863 is "near Dueñas and on other parts of the tableland of Guatemala".

Habitat

The preferred natural habitats of C. godmani are forest and grassland, at altitudes of 1,400–3,491 m (4,593–11,453 ft).

Behavior

C. godmani is terrestrial, and it is both diurnal and nocturnal.

Diet

Adults of C. godmani prey predominately upon small mammals, and will occasionally eat amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Juveniles eat mostly arthropods.

Reproduction

C. godmani is ovoviviparous.