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What about Atropoides nummifer mexicanum?
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by Heatseeker on December 2, 2005
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Hi all
Also known as Costa Rican jumping pit viper. What catched my attention was that "jumping" thing?. Is a snake able to... jump?. I know that in some species of vipers they are so strong that when they strike, they certainly propel their bodies forward, but not in the sense we humans understand by "jumping".
An egyptian friend told me stories about vipers in the desert that actually jump. I attributed this more to popular "tales" and didn't believe entirely that it was true.
Is it possible for snake to "jump"?. How far?
There goes the question. Now waiting for the opinions of the experts.
Thank you!
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RE: What about Atropoides nummifer mexicanum?
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by Snake18 on December 3, 2005
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Hy,
First of all: There are no snakes on earth that can actualy jump(as in lift themselves completely off the ground). The jumping viper got it`s name probably because it has a longer strike range, probably more than 1/3 of it`s body lenght.
Best regards, Alex S.
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RE: What about Atropoides nummifer mexicanum?
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by Rabies on December 3, 2005
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Just a query, is it mexicanum or mexicanus? As already mentiond by both of you, most of these are stocky snakes and explode with tension when stricking, that they may leave the ground and possibly move forwards slightly. Lovely snakes, especially my pair:)
John
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RE: What about Atropoides nummifer mexicanum?
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by GREGLONGHURST on December 3, 2005
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Jumping, by definition, requires legs. That said, I have seen a Bothrops asper (juvenile) strike straight up...at the end of the strike, the tip of its tail was the only thing in contact with the bottom of the holding cage. That is a strike of 100% body length. The jumping viper may well be able to strike its own length. I have never kept nummifer, so I can't say for certain.
~~Greg~~
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RE: What about Atropoides nummifer mexicanum?
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by GREGLONGHURST on December 3, 2005
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BTW, mexicanum is correct..at least that's what is in Campbell & Lamar's older book, though at that time the genus was Porthidium.
~~Greg~~
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RE: What about Atropoides nummifer mexicanum?
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by Rabies on December 3, 2005
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I've just retrieved my Venomous Reptiles of the Western... by Campbaell/Lamar, from my dad! Its written as Atropoides mexicanus and A. nummifer is a seperate sp. Just goes to show that nomenclature is a mine field, well it is for me:)
John
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RE: What about Atropoides nummifer mexicanum?
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by MoccasinMan on December 3, 2005
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I have seen an adult Black Racer strike up and propel it's entire body noticeably forward... repeatedly! I don't know if that would truely be a jump, but the people with me perceived the snake was "jumping" at me.
Andrew
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RE: What about Atropoides nummifer mexicanum?
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by tj on December 3, 2005
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Mexicanum is one of the subs for nummifer. It's not that the snake jumps, but it's strike has enough power that when it unloads it has a type of little hop at times. They are awesome snakes, one of my favorites, they look like stocky little bushmasters. There are a few regs in here that keep them regularly, so I'm sure they will give more of their experiences. I've never kept, but have fed them, pretty powerful strike. I had a pigmy that would literally explode pinks when I fed it, and it didn't pop nearly as much as jumping vipers do.
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RE: What about Atropoides nummifer mexicanum?
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by 23bms on December 3, 2005
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They got their name because, when properly motivated, they strike so hard that the entire body can slide forward, appearing to 'jump' at you. I feed mine with forceps. They slam into a proffered mouse like a B. nasicornis or gabonica, and then hold on similarly. If the jolt isn't quite as impressive, it's only because they lack the size of the latter.
jrb
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RE: What about Atropoides nummifer mexicanum?
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by timberrattlesnake89 on December 4, 2005
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Alex,
I have personally seen a Water Moccasin actually jump off the ground. I was road crusing and when I saw it we hit our breaks and the snake actually lept off the ground trying to get away. I had to chase after him. It was a very interesting experience.
Phillip
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