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 type of venomous snake. It is also known as Godman's montane pit viper. This snake lives in parts of southern Mexico and Guatemala. It is a pit viper, which means it has special heat-sensing pits on its face. These pits help it find prey in the dark.

Why is it Called Godman's Pit Viper?

The snake's scientific name, godmani, honors an English zoologist named Frederick DuCane Godman. He was a scientist who studied animals.

What Does Godman's Pit Viper Look Like?

Godman's pit viper is a moderately stout snake. It lives on the ground. Adult snakes are usually less than 55 centimeters (about 21.5 inches) long. Some can grow to more than 75 centimeters (about 29.5 inches). Its tail is short and cannot grasp things.

Where Does Godman's Pit Viper Live?

This snake is found in Mexico, specifically in the states of Chiapas and southeastern Oaxaca. It also lives in Guatemala. These snakes prefer to live in forests and grasslands. They can be found at high altitudes, from about 1,400 to 3,491 meters (about 4,593 to 11,453 feet) above sea level.

How Does Godman's Pit Viper Behave?

Godman's pit viper is a terrestrial snake, meaning it lives on the ground. It is active both during the day (diurnal) and at night (nocturnal).

What Does Godman's Pit Viper Eat?

Adult Godman's pit vipers mostly hunt and eat small mammals. Sometimes, they will also eat amphibians, other reptiles, and birds. Younger snakes, called juveniles, mainly eat arthropods, which are creatures like insects and spiders.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Godman's pit viper is ovoviviparous. This means the mother snake carries the eggs inside her body. The eggs hatch inside her, and then she gives birth to live young.