Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all, I was just wondering if anyone knew what species has the highest latitudinal range (and therefore cold environment). I saw a documentary on snakes on tv that briefly mentioned some type of viper(?) in Russia that had shots of it curled up next to patches of snow, I thought that was quite impressive.

Thanks in advance for your replies

the northernmost snake in the world is a viper known as the Adder, Crossed Viper, and Kreuzotter(Vipera berus berus)which is found in the Arctic Circle in Scandinavia. This is no doubt the same one you saw on TV as well.

The Andean milksnake(Lampropeltis triangulum andesiana) has been known to inhabit elevations of up to 9000 feet in the Andes Mountains, but this is very close to the equator, and nothing close to being the southernmost snake although still at a much higher elevations than most snakes nontheless.

~Doug

-----
"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -serpentinespecialties.webs.com

Ive heard of a brown bear viper that lives on alaska or canada. I dont think theres such A thing though. if anyone knows about these then please tell me about them also if you can add pics.

highest altitude snake I know of was one I saw on a show about Tibet; Thermophis baileyi. Found at up to 14,000 feet in elevation and sticks mostly to areas around geothermal springs.
-----
We wouldn't have 6 and a half billion people if you had to be beautiful to get laid.
6.6 African House snakes
3.2 reticulated pythons
.1 corn snake
4.2 Florida Kings
1.2 speckled kings
1.2 ball pythons
0.0.1 Argentine boa

Yes, that is very interesting, and would seem very likely that is the only reason it can survive in those cold high altitude conditions.

~Doug
-----
"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -serpentinespecialties.webs.com

the documentary showed one swimming in a thermal pool while there was snow on the ground...talk about a mind trip. I'm not used to finding snakes in that sort of weather.
gotta love the bbc!
-----
We wouldn't have 6 and a half billion people if you had to be beautiful to get laid.
6.6 African House snakes
3.2 reticulated pythons
.1 corn snake
4.2 Florida Kings
1.2 speckled kings
1.2 ball pythons
0.0.1 Argentine boa

Yeah, I have always told people and been a real believer that nature is far more bizarre than any made-up fiction..LOL!

~Doug
-----
"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -serpentinespecialties.webs.com

I agree completely with that.

It's interesting to note that the southern-most species of snake is also a viperid. Bothrops ammodytoides is found well into southern Argentina down to almost 50 degrees south latitude.

Kelly

I won't argue about Vipera berus occupying the most northern latitude, but there are some pit vipers that are very cold tolerant, and that may be what you saw.

There is a Himalayan pit viper that has been observed basking in the sun while snow was on the ground. And there are other pit vipers that occur in montane regions that get very cold. I believe it was the pit vipers that crossed the landbridge from Asia into North America, then traveled down from there.
-----
Mark

I know this isnt a viper but garter snakes have been seen basking in the snow, and in the spring they become active when the snow starts to melt but there still is snow on the.