Viperinae

Viperinae
Chain viper, Daboia russelii, a viperine
Scientific classification Edit this 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.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference McD99 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "Viperinae". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 4 August 2006.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ U.S. Navy. 1991. Poisonous Snakes of the World. US Govt. New York: Dover Publications Inc. 203 pp. ISBN 0-486-26629-X.