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Bothriechis schlegelii is a venomous pit viper species commonly known as the eyelash viper. It is found in Central and South America.
Description
B. schlegelii is a relatively small species that rarely exceed 75 cm in length, with females being larger than males. They have a wide, triangular-shaped head, and eyes with vertical pupils. Like all pit vipers, they are solenoglyphous, having large, hypodermic needle-like fangs in the upper jaw that fold back when not in use, and have heat sensitive organs, or pits, located on either side of the head between the eye and nostril.
Its most distinguishing feature, and origin of its common name, is the set of modified scales over the eyes that look much like eyelashes. The eyelashes are thought to aid in camouflage, breaking up the snake's outline among the foliage it usually hides in. B. schlegelii occurs in a wide range of colors, including red, yellow, brown, green, even pink, as well as various combinations therof. They often have black or brown speckling on the base color.
Distribution & Habitat
The eyelash viper's geographic range starts in southern Mexico, and extends as far south as northern Peru, encompassing all the countries in between. They inhabit lower altitude, humid, tropical areas with dense foliage, generally not far from a permanent water source.
Behavior
Like other Bothriechis species, B. schlegelii is arboreal, having a strongly prehensile tail. It is largely nocturnal, consuming small rodents, frogs, lizards, and small birds. They are not known to be an aggressive snake, but will not hesitate to strike if harassed.
B. schlegelii is a typical ambush predator, lying in patient wait for unsuspecting prey to wander by. Sometimes, it is known to select a specific ambush site and return to it every year in time for the spring migration of birds. Studies have indicated that these snakes learn to improve their strike accuracy over time.* Sometimes these snakes (especially juveniles) will employ what is known as "caudal luring", where they will wiggle their tail in worm-like motions to encourage potential prey to move within striking range.
Reproduction
Eyelash vipers are ovoviviparous, giving birth to an average of 10-12 young on a yearly basis, that are 6-8 inches in length.
Venom
Bothriechis venom is primarily a haemotoxin which causes severe pain, swelling, bleb formation, bruising, and quite often necrosis. If untreated it can lead to loss of a limb, or even death. Each year several farmers and plantation workers are bitten by eyelash vipers, sometimes resulting in fatalities. Wyeth in the United States and Instituto Clodomiro in Costa Rica both manufacture different polyvalent antivenins which can be used to treat eyelash viper envenomations.
In captivity
Despite the inherent danger of its venom, B. schlegelii is frequently available in the exotic animal trade, and is well represented in zoos worldwide. It is frequently captive bred for color and pattern. Exporting from the wild is not as common as it once was, but is not unknown. In general they make hardy captives, readily feeding on provided mice. As they make impressive display specimens, particularily desirable colorations can command high prices.
Gallery
External links
- EMBL Reptile Database - Family Viperidae
References
Snakes | Vipers | Pit vipers
"Bothriechis schlegelii"