Metlapilcoatlus indomitus
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| Metlapilcoatlus indomitus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Metlapilcoatlus |
| Species: | M. indomitus |
| Binomial name | |
| Metlapilcoatlus indomitus Smith & Ferrari-Castro, 2008 | |
Metlapilcoatus indomitus is an endangered species of jumping pit viper endemic to Central America.[1][2] Like all pit vipers, it is venomous. It is named in honour of Hondurans and the project Honduras Indomita, with "indomitus" meaning "that which will not be conquered" in Latin.[3]
Metlapilcoatlus indomitus is a medium-sized snake, reaching around 64 cm in length, with females slightly longer. A third of its body, at the end of its tail, is darker on the underside and it displays a postorbital stripe. These make it easy to distinguish from other Metlapicoatlus species, but not Atripoides picadoi, which shares these markings. It can be distinguished from A. picadoi by its lighter markings which are slightly smaller.[3] They can also be distinguished by their unusual lack of hemipenal spines, which most pitvipers possess.[1]
Neonates may show a light tip to their tail, which may be used to distract prey.[2]
For specific scale counts, scales of M. indomitus can vary. Nasorostral scales are known to vary from none to two.[1]
Habitat
Preferring elevations of 670-1200m, M. indomitus is found in tropical rainforests. It is classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List as its habitat spans a total of 500 km and falling as it continues to be deforested.[2]
