Pseudolachesis

Stub-tailed Pit Vipers
Psuedolachesis orientalis, the Sierra Grande Pit Viper
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Caudata
Family:	Viperidae
Genus:	Pseudolachesis
File:Pseudolachesis range.jpg

Pseudolachesis is a genus of pit vipers found in southern and central Ameripacha Libre. They are generally known as the Stub-tailed Pit Vipers or the Dwarf Bushmasters, though individual names of species vary wildly.

They are noticeable due to their "stub tails", small tails which the back scales cover the entire tip. Some species attempt to silently rattle when agitated, though one species - Pseudolachesis comcrotes - is able to produce an audible warning sound by vibrating the stub tail over its keeled dorsal scales.

Biology

Life History

Like the true bushmasters of Genus: Lachesis, all members of the Pseudolachesis lay eggs - a generally uncommon trait for Viperids, which are generally viviparous live-bearers.

Habitats

Pseudolachesis are found in a wide variety of habitats. Typically, low-elevation jungles and tropical dry forests, representatives of this genus can be found everywhere from tropical savannas to high-elevation grasslands and talus slopes. Generally, all species share in common the need for steady refugia to return to.

Taxonomy & Evolution

Extant Species

Common Name	Scientific Name	Size	Range	Image
Common Dwarf Bushmaster	Pseudolachesis vexillius	75cm - 140cm	Inyursta, Cuscatlan and Nueva Aragua	[PIC HERE]
Rio Neige Stub-tail	Pseudolachesis rioneigeii	70cm-120cm	Inyursta, restricted to the Rio Niege Basin	[PIC HERE]
Black-backed Pit Viper	Pseudolachesis pulladorsalis	75-110cm	Inyursta
Polachesi Stub-tailed Viper	Pseudolachesis comecrotes	90cm-160cm	Foothills and warm valleys of the Sierra Polaches in Inyursta and Cuscatlan	[PIC HERE]