Nature Field Guide
Rainforest Hognosed Pitviper
- Spanish name
- Tamagá
- Scientific name
- Porthidium nasutum
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “What helps this reptile fit into its habitat?”
Tati: “Let’s look at its shape, colors and surroundings while giving it plenty of space.”
Species overview
About the Rainforest Hognosed Pitviper
The rainforest hognosed pitviper is a small, stout venomous snake with a distinctive raised tip to its snout. Its keeled scales and dark blotches blend with leaf litter. A narrow pale line may run along the back.
It lives on the ground in wet forests of the Caribbean slope and southwestern Pacific. Stillness can make it difficult to notice beside a trail. Stay on marked paths, watch where you step and keep hands out of leaf litter. A safe observation leaves both the explorer and the snake undisturbed.
Identification
Key Features of the Rainforest Hognosed Pitviper
Pointed upturned snout
Stout body and short tail
Dark blotches and a narrow back line
Habitat & range
Caribbean lowlands and foothills and southwestern Pacific wet forests, mainly below the higher mountain zones.
Local observations
Native species recorded in Costa Rica. Sightings depend on suitable habitat and locality.
When to observe
Observe on a suitable guided outing. Activity varies with weather, season and locality; do not disturb a resting or hidden animal.
Conservation & care
VENOMOUS. Observe only from a distance with a qualified guide. Keep children and pets well away. Never approach, touch, catch or provoke this snake, and do not reach into nearby vegetation.
Threats & pressures
Protect connected habitat and natural shelters. Avoid collection, unnecessary clearing and deliberate killing. Leave wildlife in place and support responsible observation.
Observation activity
Find its outline among the leaves in the illustration. Explain why staying on the path helps both people and wildlife.
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Pacific · Northern Plains · South Pacific · Alajuela · Heredia · Limón · Puntarenas · San José