CANTIL
(Agkistrodon bilineatus)
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Geographic range: Neotropical: Found from Mexico to San salvador. In Mexico, only on Pacific slope from Sonora south and on Yucatan Peninsula.

Subspecies:
Agkistrodon bilineatus bilineatus - s. Sonora to El Salvador
Agkistrodon bilineatus russeolus - Yucatan Peninsula

Taxonomy: Agkistrodon taylori (a separate species), was formerly considered a subspecies of Agkistrodon bilineatus. This form occurs on the atlantic slopes from Nuevo Leon to c. Veracruz.

Physical characteristics: Strongly built pitviper of medium size (55 - 70 cm) SVL. Head is depressed and roughly triangular, well distinct from neck. Head carries distinct white or yellowish stripes running from the snout across the eye and from snout over the upper lip. Overall body color is brown, tan or even reddish. Tip of the tail is yellowish green. Scales on the upper body are heavily keeled.

Food habits: Feeds mainly on small vertebrates - mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish.

Reproduction: Viviparous, typical clutch of 8 - 20 eggs.

Behavior: Nocturnal snake with terrestrial activity. Venom contains very potent and dangerous hemorrhagic toxin. Juveniles are known to use the colorful tip of the tail to attract small insectivorous vertebrates, employing it as a lure.

Habitat:
Primarily deciduous and thorn forest. Records from tall forest and wet areas less frequent.

Biomes: tropical forest, thorn forest

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