Bothrops ammodytoides

Common names: Patagonian lancehead,^[2] yararanata,^[3] Patagonian pit viper.^[4]

Bothrops ammodytoides is a venomous pitviper species endemic to Argentina.^[1] No subspecies are currently recognized.^[5]

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Description

This species has a stocky build and grows to an average length of of 45-75 cm, but is capable reaching almost 1 m in total. The rostral scale is elongated vertically and the snout is upturned, similar to the hognosed pitvipers of the genus Porthidium.^[2]

Geographic range

Found only in Argentina in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Catamarca, Córdoba, Chubut, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Neuquén, Río Negro, San Juan, San Luis, Santa Cruz and Tucumán.^[1] The vertical distribution ranges from sea level to at least 2,000 m altitude.^[2] The type locality was first listed as "northern Argentina" and later emended to "province of Mendoza" Campbell and Lamar (1989).^[1]

Habitat

Prefers dry regions, occurring in temperate to subtropical savannas and steppes. Found mostly in sandy, rocky areas, including coastal dunes, steep riverbanks and salt flats. Around the upper limits of its altitude range it can occasionally be found in broad-leaf evergreen forest.^[2]

See also

• List of crotaline species and subspecies
• Bothrops by common name
• Bothrops by taxonomic synonyms
• Crotalinae by common name
• Crotalinae by taxonomic synonyms
• Snakebite

References