The New Neotropical Companion

Reptiles and Amphibians

People always seem to associate the tropics with snakes.
The fear of snake- infested trails and trees taints many
folks’ views about the allure of rain forest. How can
you admire the scenery when you always have to be
looking out for venomous snakes? In reality, venomous
snakes are not frequently encountered. They tend to be
secretive and nocturnal, and it’s actually not easy to
find them, even when you search diligently. There are,
however, many species of snakes in the tropics, both
venomous and (most) nonvenomous, and as a group
they are fascinating (plate 16- 62). I have seen people,

once they conquered their initial fears of serpents,

develop intense curiosity about them, followed by

admiration of their beauty. This section addresses

that curiosity and focuses on a few other reptiles and

amphibians as well. But let’s start with snakes— and

venomous snakes at that.

Between northern Mexico and southern Patagonia,

there are 145 species of venomous snakes to be found.

These include 54 species of coral snakes, one sea snake,

the Cantil, the Copperhead, seven species of palm-

pitvipers, eight species of forest- pitvipers, 31 species

of lancehead pitvipers (plate 16- 63), 14 species of hog-

nosed and montane pitvipers, 26 species of rattlesnakes

Plate 16- 64. This Fer- de- lance is coiled, a typical defensive
position that may also signal aggression (venomous snakes
seem to believe that the best defense is a strong offense).
Photo by James Adams.

Plate 16- 65. This is closer than one ought to get to a Fer- de-

lance. Photo by James Adams.

Plate 16- 63. The Mato Grosso Lancehead (Bothrops

matogrossensis) is a typical Neotropical pitviper. Photo by

Nancy Norman.

Plate 16- 62. Encountering snakes is a common concern among
visitors to rain forests. This beautiful snake is Chironius exoletus,
a species of vine snake, or sipo, as the group is known locally. It
is nonvenomous, as are most Neotropical snakes, and should be
a welcome sight for any naturalist. Photo by Sean Williams.

346 chapter 16 from monkeys to tarantulas: endless eccentricities