Viperidae
(Redirected from Viperid)
Viperidae is a family of venomous snakes found in most parts of the world, excluding Antarctica, Australia, Hawaii, Madagascar, various other isolated islands, and north of the Arctic Circle. All have relatively long, hinged fangs that permit deep penetration and injection of snake venom. The family is divided into two subfamilies: the Viperinae (vipers) and the Crotalinae (pit vipers). The members of this family are characterized by their wide heads, which are distinct from their narrow necks, and the presence of a sensory organ between the eye and the nostril on either side of the head, known as a pit, in the case of pit vipers. This article provides an overview of the Viperidae family, including their characteristics, habitat, behavior, and significance.
Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Viperidae species vary in size, ranging from the diminutive Hump-nosed viper (Hypnale hypnale), which grows to about 30 cm in length, to the much larger Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica), which can reach lengths of over 2 meters. Despite their differences in size, all vipers share certain morphological traits, such as a thick, heavy body, a short tail, and a triangular head. The fangs of vipers, which are their most distinctive feature, are capable of a high degree of movement, allowing them to be folded back against the roof of the mouth when not in use.
Habitat and Distribution[edit | edit source]
Viperidae snakes inhabit a wide range of environments, including deserts, forests, grasslands, and mountains. They are primarily found in the Eastern Hemisphere, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Europe. However, the subfamily Crotalinae, or pit vipers, have a broader distribution, extending into the Americas and parts of eastern Asia.
Behavior[edit | edit source]
Vipers are known for their ambush predation strategy. They often lie in wait for their prey, which includes small mammals, birds, and amphibians, striking with precision and speed when the opportunity arises. After delivering a venomous bite, vipers will track their prey if it does not succumb immediately. Most species are terrestrial, although some, like the arboreal pit vipers, spend a significant amount of time in trees.
Venom[edit | edit source]
The venom of Viperidae snakes is highly variable and adapted to their diet. Generally, it contains enzymes and proteins that cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and necrosis, and in severe cases, can lead to systemic effects like coagulopathy and shock. The potency and composition of the venom can vary not only between species but also within populations of the same species.
Conservation[edit | edit source]
Many species within the Viperidae family are threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, and persecution. Conservation efforts are in place for some species, but the secretive nature and venomous reputation of these snakes often hinder conservation efforts.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD