Viperinae | |
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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.
McD99
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).