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Viperidae

White-tailed Hognose Viper

Venomous

Porthidium porrasi

White-tailed Hognose Viper
Porthidium porrasi, © Buckelkopfcichlide
White-tailed Hognose ViperWhite-tailed Hognose ViperWhite-tailed Hognose Viper

4 photographs of the White-tailed Hognose Viper. © Buckelkopfcichlide.

The White-tailed Hognose Viper (Porthidium porrasi) is a venomous snake in the Viperidae family, recorded in 1 country.

If you are bitten

This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.

Family
Viperidae
Danger
high

About the White-tailed Hognose Viper

Porthidium porrasi is a species of hognose pit viper endemic to south-west Costa Rica. Like all pit vipers, P. porrasi is venomous.

Description

Distinguished from similar species with its extremely upright nose and various scale morphologies, the white-tailed snub-nose viper is named commonly after another distinguishing characteristic, its white tail tip which is sometimes cream or yellow. It grows to a maximum of 50 cm. Its head is broad and distinct from its neck.

Behaviour

Porthidium porrasi is a nocturnal/crepuscular, terrestrial snake. It prefers to stay camouflaged under leaf litter and its preferred habitat is rainforests, from sea level to 200 m of elevation.

Reproduction

The white-tailed snub-nose viper is considered to be either ovoviviparous or viviparous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: White-tailed Hognose Viper

Is the White-tailed Hognose Viper venomous?
Yes. The White-tailed Hognose Viper (Porthidium porrasi) is venomous and belongs to the Viperidae family (viper). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.
Is the White-tailed Hognose Viper poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The White-tailed Hognose Viper is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the White-tailed Hognose Viper dangerous?
This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.
Where does the White-tailed Hognose Viper live?
The White-tailed Hognose Viper has verified records in 1 country, including Costa Rica. See the distribution section below for its full range.

If you are bitten by the White-tailed Hognose Viper

A venomous snakebite is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately. In the US, dial 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Do

  • Get away from the snake and stay calm. Most bites worsen when people panic or try again to handle the snake.
  • Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) right away. Antivenom works best when given early.
  • Note the time of the bite and, from a safe distance, the snake's color and pattern, a phone photo is enough. Do not chase it.
  • Keep the bitten limb still and at roughly heart level. Sit or lie down and limit movement.
  • Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts.
  • Gently wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Do not

  • Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
  • Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
  • Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
  • Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, they can worsen bleeding. Acetaminophen is safer for pain.
  • Do not try to catch or kill the snake. A dead snake can still bite by reflex.

First-aid guidance adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC NIOSH), Venomous Snakes. Educational only; always follow the instructions of emergency responders.

Where it is found

Costa Rica

More Viperidae snakes

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
Squamata
FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
Viperidae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
Porthidium
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
Porthidium porrasi

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.