| Agkistrodon bilineatus taylori | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Subfamily: | Crotalinae |
| Genus: | Agkistrodon |
| Species: | A. bilineatus |
| Subspecies: | A. b. taylori |
| Trinomial name | |
| Agkistrodon bilineatus taylori Burger & Robertson, 1951 |
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| Synonyms | |
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Agkistrodon bilineatus taylori is a venomous pitviper subspecies[3] found only in northeastern Mexico. It is named in honor of American herpetologist, Edward Harrison Taylor.
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Adults usually attain a length of 64–90 cm, with some growing to 96 cm. The subspecies has a heavy body and a relatively long tail: 16-19% of total body length in males and 13-18% in females.[4]
Found in Mexico in the northeastern states of Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosí and Tamaulipas.[2] The type locality is "21 km north of Villagrán, Tamaulipas, Mexico."[1]
This species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (v3.1, 2001).[5] Species are listed as such due to their wide distribution, presumed large population, or because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. The population trend is unknown. Year assessed: 2007.[6]
Feeds primarily on rodents and amphibians. Juveniles are known to employ the yellowish tip of their tail as a lure to attract small insectivorous vertebrates. The yellowish tip fades as the animals mature, as does this behavior.
Elevated to species status by Parkinson, Zamudio and Greene (2000) based on mitochondrial DNA sequences.
Because of their attractive coloration and relatively small size, they are somewhat popular in the exotic pet trade, with captive bred individuals occasionally being available. The care requirements are fairly basic, similar to A. contortrix. These snakes are, however, not for the inexperienced keeper. The venom is significantly stronger than that of A. contortrix and can cause severe tissue damage and even death if untreated. Dry bites are seldom reported and they may strike repeatedly.