Viperinae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Viperinae |
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| Chain viper, Daboia elegans, a viperine | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Subfamily: | Viperinae Oppel, 1811 |
| Synonyms | |
The Viperinae, or Viperines, are a subfamily of venomous Vipers found in Europe, Asia and Africa.There are currently, 12 genera and 66 species which are recognized of this subfamily. Most are tropical and subtropical, although one species, the Vipera berus, even occurs within the Arctic Circle.
Contents
Description
Members of this subfamily range in size from the Namaqua Dwarf Adder, that grows to a maximum of 28 cm, to the Gaboon Viper that reaches a maximum length of over 2 m. Most species are terrestrial (living on land), but a few, such as Atheris, are completely arboreal (living in trees).
Where they live
The Viperinae are found in Europe, Asia and Africa, but they are not found in Madagascar.
Reproduction
Most of the members of this subfamily are viviparous (ovoviviparous), meaning they give live birth, although a few, such as the Persian Horned viper, lay eggs.
Genera
- Uzungwe viper (Adenorhinos)
- Bush viper (Atheris)
- Puff adder (Bitis)
- Horned viper (Cerastes)
- Russell's viper (Daboia)
- Saw-scaled viper (Echis)
- McMahon's viper (Eristicophis)
- Large Palearctic viper (Macrovipera)
- Kenya mountain viper (Montatheris)
- Lowland viper (Proatheris)
- False horned viper (Pseudocerastes)
- Palearctic viper (Vipera)
See also
In Spanish: Viperinae para niños
