Since the publication of The Venomous Reptiles of Latin America by Cornell UP in 1989, scientific discoveries and taxonomic changes have resulted in the addition of many taxa and species to the herpetology of the Western Hemisphere. This updated, heavily rewritten, and greatly expanded version of that book now includes accounts of all 192 species of venomous snakes and lizards found in the Western Hemisphere.
The 1500 colour photographs include many unique portraits of newly discovered species and fresh views of male, female, and juvenile individuals.
Volume I includes regional/country accounts with related bilingual identification keys and vegetation and topographic maps. Genus and species accounts treat all of the lizards, coralsnakes, and seasnakes. Volume II begins with the pitvipers, including all known species of rattlesnakes. This volume features four chapters by experts on mimicry, evolution, and snakebite treatment in tropical and temperate America. A glossary, literature-cited section and index serve both volumes.