de- lance, like most Bothrops, is a tan snake with dark
brown diamond patterning along its sides (intensity of
body color and blotching patterns are quite variable).
The creature averages a length of 1.2– 1.8 m (approx.
4– 6 ft), with some individuals reaching 2.5 m (8.2 ft).
Regardless of size, a Fer- de- lance is a potentially lethal
snake (as are all Bothrops). Even the juveniles are highly
venomous, and up to 50 young are born at a time (so take
care to look around if you should encounter a juvenile—
its siblings may be lurking about). Campbell and Lamar
(1989) note that Bothrops species “are responsible for
more human morbidity in the New World than any other
group of venomous snakes.” The venom is fast acting
and painful. It rapidly destroys blood cells and vessels
and produces extensive necrosis (decomposition) of
tissue around the bite site. Infection can follow and can
be massive. Mortality without treatment is about 7%,
but it is reduced to between 0.5% and 3% with proper
treatment. A person bitten by a Bothrops should receive
antivenin quickly, and even then recovery is usually an
ordeal. Occasionally a Bothrops will bite in self- defense
but not inject venom. It may have exhausted its venom
on a recent catch or may simply not discharge it. Note
that most Bothrops are inactive during the day, as they
tend to hunt at night. However, these snakes can be quick
and aggressive if disturbed. Heed the words of Campbell
and Lamar: “Specimens can (and often do) move very
rapidly, reversing directions abruptly, and defending
themselves vigorously. An adult B. asper, if cornered and
fully aroused, is a redoubtable adversary and must be
regarded as extremely dangerous.” Remember that, and
don’t mess with a Fer- de- lance.
The Fer- de- lance feeds on various mammals and some
birds. The species ranges mostly throughout Central
America to northern South America, and throughout
the Orinoco Basin. To the south, throughout Amazonia,
it is largely replaced by the similar B. atrox, B. brazili,
and B. jararaca, as well as numerous other Bothrops
species, including one just described in 2010.
The eight species of forest- pitvipers (genus
Bothriopsis), which are similar to Bothrops species,
have restricted ranges in northern South America, but
two species, B. bilineata (Two- striped Forest- Pitviper)
and B. taeniata (Speckled Forest- Pitviper) are widely
distributed throughout Amazonia. Forest- pitvipers
tend to be slender and may exceed lengths of 1.5 m
(5 ft). They have prehensile tails, which allow them to
climb trees, and all are found in interior forest.
There are 10 species of palm- pitvipers (genus
Bothriechis), which tend to grow to shorter lengths
than other pitvipers, to 60– 80 cm/2– 2.5 ft). Any palm-
pitviper is potentially dangerous, as these snakes
are arboreal and usually cryptic (often greenish),
coiled among palm fronds. Most species are Central
American and found in montane areas. However,
one species, B. schlegelii, is common in lowland rain
forest and ranges throughout Central America and as
far south as central Ecuador. Called the Eyelash Palm-
Pitviper (plate 16- 67) because of enlarged scales that
grow outward over each eye, it is generally considered
abundant throughout its range. The species is highly
variable in color, but most specimens are some shade
of green, finely suffused with black, though some are
bright yellowish gold. A good climber, with a prehensilePlate 16- 67. This attentive and attractive Eyelash Palm- Pitviper
is showing its “eyelashes” well. Photo by James Adams.
Plate 16- 68. The Bushmaster, the largest of the world’s
pitvipers. Photo by Sean Williams.348 chapter 16 from monkeys to tarantulas: endless eccentricities