Taylor's cantil

Taylor's cantils have distinct, triangular-shaped heads that are dark brown to black with five white stripes that are accented in yellow or orange. Two stripes begin just above each eye, two above each side of the mouth and one centered underneath the head.

The snake's body is dark brown to black and marked with orange, yellow or white bands which fade with age. The tip of a juvenile's tail is yellow, an adaptation that helps it lure prey. Adults lose this yellow tip, as well as most of the coloration along their bodies, appearing significantly darker as they age.

They are equipped with elongated, hinged fangs that lie flat and horizontal within the jaw when in a resting position. The fangs are positioned beneath venom glands. When the snake strikes, the fangs swing forward. As it closes its jaw, the fangs penetrate its prey and deliver the venom.

These average-sized vipers normally reach lengths of 25-35 inches (64-90 centimeters) but has been documented up to 38 inches (96 centimeters). The snake's tail can account for 16-19 percent of its body length for males and 13-18 percent for females.

Taylor's cantils live in the northeastern part of Mexico, specifically in parts of Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi, Veracruz and Hidalgo. Their natural habitat consists of grasslands, tropical deciduous forests, rocky hillsides and dry, thorny forests. They can also be found near small bodies of water.

Taylors cantils use their fangs, venom and a quick strike to capture and kill prey. They primarily eat mammals, amphibians, birds and lizards.

Juveniles have an added advantage for capturing prey — a caudal lure. The young snake wiggles the end of its tail, which is a different color or pattern than the rest of its body, to attract prey. Unsuspecting animals approach the bait, allowing the Taylor's cantil to strike. This caudal lure disappears when the snake reaches maturity.

At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, Taylor's cantils consume mice. 

These venomous snakes are rarely encountered by humans, and information about their behavior is limited. They are believed to be mainly terrestrial and nocturnal.

These snakes are ovoviviparous, meaning eggs hatch within the parent's body, and the snakes are born as live young.

Habitat destruction is accelerating in the area where Taylor’s cantils are found, leading to a suspected decline in population. However, because humans rarely encounter this species, there is no documented evidence of this occurring.

Habitat loss is primarily a result of an increase in livestock agriculture in the region, which results in a decrease in vegetative cover. These snakes do not currently exist within protected areas, and their geographical distribution is limited. These snakes are also popular among collectors, because they are so rare.

The Smithsonian's National Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan for Taylor's cantils, working to breed and maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population in human care.