| Viperinae | |
|---|---|
| |
| Chain viper, Daboia russelii, a viperine | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Subfamily: | Viperinae Oppel, 1811 |
| Synonyms | |
Viperinae, or viperines, are a subfamily of vipers endemic to Europe, Asia and Africa. They are distinguished by their lack of the heat-sensing pit organs that characterize their sister group, the subfamily Crotalinae. Currently, 13 genera are recognized.[2] Most are tropical and subtropical, although one species, Vipera berus, even occurs within the Arctic Circle.[3] Like all vipers, they are venomous.
The common names "pitless vipers", "true vipers", "Old World vipers",[3] and "true adders"[4] all refer to this group.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
McD99was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Viperinae". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 4 August 2006.
- ^ a b Mallow D, Ludwig D, Nilson G. 2003. True Vipers: Natural History and Toxinology of Old World Vipers. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar. 359 pp. ISBN 0-89464-877-2.
- ^ U.S. Navy. 1991. Poisonous Snakes of the World. US Govt. New York: Dover Publications Inc. 203 pp. ISBN 0-486-26629-X.